Meet Carmel Offord – Engagement Manager at the Independent Domestic Abuse Services.

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Our interview this issue is with Carmel Offord, an Engagement Manager at the Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) in York. We highlighted the work of IDAS in the last issue and their volunteer programme. Here, Carmel talks about her passion to help others including the volunteers she works with.

Please introduce yourself.

I’m Carmel Offord, a dedicated women’s rights campaigner, passionate about making a difference to the lives of all survivors of domestic abuse and sexual violence. I am proud to have worked for IDAS (Independent Domestic Abuse Services) for the last 8 years. As the Engagement Manager my work includes events, engagement, communications, liaising with the media on public policy and campaigns, informing domestic abuse policy and practice locally and nationally, delivering training and webinars, research and development work in areas including volunteering, survivor voice, family courts, healthcare, and children and young people’s services. I manage a team including Volunteer Coordinators, a Community Engagement Officer, and Survivor Engagement Coordinators.

IDAS support over 10,000 people in the community across Yorkshire each year and responded to 30,950 helpline calls in 2023. IDAS are the leading specialist domestic abuse charity, also supporting people who have experienced sexual violence. In addition to emotional and practical support, IDAS provide safe, emergency accommodation.

What attracted you to the organisation and role?

IDAS have a reputation for delivering high-quality, innovative services and are courageous in their efforts to achieve transformation at a societal level to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence, which attracted me to my role within the organisation. My role as an Engagement Manager is varied with a broad range of responsibilities, which I relish. I am privileged to work with a team of staff and volunteers who are highly skilled and dedicated to making a difference.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Volunteer Coordinator/ Manager?

Managing volunteers is a very rewarding experience. At IDAS we care about the volunteer journey and the role it can play in people’s recovery from abuse and sexual violence. We invest significant time and resource in our volunteer training and the support structures that need to be in place to ensure volunteers feel valued. We rely on the generosity of our volunteers and supporters who make a huge contribution to our vital, often life-saving work. It is incredibly rewarding to see how volunteering can empower people and even lead to paid work or other fantastic opportunities. Charities like IDAS are under immense pressure and volunteers can help our teams to meet the needs of our clients and increase our capacity and resources.

To anyone considering a role in coordinating or managing volunteers, I would say that understanding people’s motivations and ensuring that their contribution is valued is key to developing a successful volunteering service, along with robust systems and processes. IDAS Volunteer Coordinators are experts at identifying skills and matching them to appropriate roles within the organisation, it requires empathy, creativity, and tenacity. We are truly grateful to all our volunteers and supporters.

What have you learnt about yourself while in this role?

Mindset is everything. Working within the voluntary sector, in a demanding, fast-paced role, will always present challenges. How I approach these challenges and support colleagues has developed over time with the assistance of learning tools and strategies that help me manage tricky situations. I am also very lucky to learn from and work with many inspiring leaders within the sector who have imparted their knowledge and wisdom and supported me along the way. I have also learnt that it’s ok not to have all the answers and to seek help and expertise from colleagues and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes.

Finally, please tell us something about yourself that your colleagues would be surprised to know.

I once worked for a charity running conservation expeditions overseas. We would take large groups of young volunteers to the rainforest in Belize, Borneo, Guyana, and Guatemala to assist the local community with their conservation efforts. I was lucky enough to spend weeks living in the rainforest, sleeping in a hammock, and dealing with all sorts of nasty bugs like botflies and leeches!

Embracing generosity: My leadership journey through the lens of giving

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As a speaker at our Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Conference in May, Valentina Hynes – Founder and CEO of SVH Inc. CIC – provides her take on how generosity can be a bridge to understanding, connection, and mutual respect.

Generosity, to me, isn’t just a word tossed around in motivational speeches; it’s the essence of my journey, a consistent thread weaving through the fabric of my personal and professional life. It’s a testament to the belief that true growth and sustainable impact are nurtured through giving, support, and community empowerment. This narrative delves into how generosity shaped my path from a Nigerian African immigrant to a recognised leader in the UK, spotlighting my ventures like YOLO Dance and SVH Inc. CIC, against the backdrop of my vibrant Nigerian roots and the challenges and victories that have coloured my journey.

Living your values

The convergence of personal beliefs and professional drive is where my story unfolds, guided by a commitment to generosity. This principle didn’t just align with my actions at YOLO Dance or V14 Ventures; it was a lived experience, resonating through every facet of my life. Whether navigating the complexities of relocating to a Yorkshire town that’s starkly different in hue and heart to my Nigerian homeland, or fighting to secure my place within its community fabric, my ethos remained unwavering. Generosity wasn’t an act; it was a lifestyle, informing my leadership and infusing my ventures with a sense of purpose and belonging.

Building from challenges

My transition to the UK was a mosaic of trials, yet it underscored the potency of generosity. Facing barriers, from bureaucratic entanglements with the Home Office to embedding myself within a predominantly white, conservative community, I leaned into generosity. It became my bridge to understanding, connection, and mutual respect. This period illustrated that generosity transcends mere giving – it’s about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and heard.

Generosity as a growth strategy

In the realm of leadership, generosity emerged as more than a virtue – it became a strategic pillar. It was through giving – be it time, expertise, or resources – that I expanded my network and influence. This facet of my journey highlights generosity as a catalyst for professional growth and organisational development. It’s about sharing not just for the sake of giving but as a means to empower, uplift, and inspire collective action towards common goals.

Fostering a nurturing environment

The essence of my leadership lies in creating spaces that nurture and empower. Through initiatives under SVH Inc. CIC, I championed environments where individuals could thrive, underscored by the belief that a nurtured community is the bedrock of sustainable growth. This approach not only bolstered the well-being of my team and community but also fostered a culture where innovation, resilience, and collaboration flourished.

Inspiring through action

The accolades and recognitions I’ve garnered – ranging from Business Woman of the Year to being listed among the WISE100 top female social entrepreneurs – reflect a journey marked by action, resilience, and most importantly generosity. These acknowledgements serve not just as personal milestones but as beacons that illuminate the impact of leading with a generous heart. They are a testament to the transformative power of integrating generosity into every leadership endeavour, catalysing change and inspiring others to do the same.

As I gear up to share my insights at the Community First Yorkshire Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders Conference, it’s clear that generosity has been my compass – guiding me through challenges, shaping my leadership, and driving my organisations toward impactful, community-centric goals. My narrative, rooted in the vibrant tapestry of my Nigerian heritage and my journey in the UK, underscores the profound belief that generosity is the cornerstone of true leadership and organisational success. Through generosity, we not only achieve our goals but also enrich the lives of those around us, weaving a legacy of impact and empathy that transcends boundaries and lasts generations.

If you’d like to hear more from Valentina, be sure to book your place at the Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference today. Bookings close at midday on 15 May – just over three weeks away.

Great turn out for VCSE sector Mayoral Hustings

VCSE organisations from across North Yorkshire and York came together on Tuesday 16 April to pose questions to candidates ahead of the local elections for the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Mayor on 2 May.

Hosted by York CVS and Community First Yorkshire, the non-selective hustings provided an opportunity for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations to meet the candidates, listen to their manifestos and to ask questions relating to issues that impact our sector.

Four candidates joined us

We welcomed the following candidates to the event:

  • Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, Liberal Democrats candidate,
  • Keith Tordoff, Independent candidate
  • Kevin Foster, Green candidate
  • Paul Haslam, Independent candidate

All candidates were invited to attend, however Keane Duncan, Conservative candidate and David Skaith, Labour candidate were unable to join us on the day.

Each candidate spoke about their manifesto and their priorities if they were elected, then the hustings opened for questions from attendees and pre-submitted questions from the sector.

Questions were wide-ranging

The questions covered a range of topics, including the candidates understanding of the VCSE sector, what support they would provide, and if they understood the challenges faced by the sector. More specific questions were asked about affordable housing, library services, violence against women and girls, support for refugees and people seeking sanctuary, and support for Trans and LGBTQ rights.

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about each candidate and about the forthcoming elections on Thursday 2 May, the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has produced this information booklet.

First leadership conference aims to help North Yorkshire VCSE sector thrive

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Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations from across North Yorkshire will be heading to Harrogate in May for the sector’s first one-day conference designed to build leadership skills at all levels.

The Ordinary Extraordinary Leaders conference (Tuesday 22 May at Pavilions of Harrogate) is being organised by VCSE support organisation, Community First Yorkshire. Its focus will be on sharing the experiences and insights of a diverse line-up of speakers to show how ordinary everyday actions can deliver extraordinary results.

As well as attracting people currently in a leadership position, the conference is aimed at new leaders, people wanting to take on a leadership role and anyone interested in exploring their potential to take their career in the VCSE sector further. It will be as relevant to someone leading a small team or project as it is to someone heading up a department or organisation.

More than a dozen speakers throughout the day will offer a wide range of perspectives from tackling culture change in the British Army to establishing a charity from scratch, taking on a new leadership role or working with teams of volunteers.

Aim is to help vibrant VCSE sector thrive

“We have such a vibrant VCSE sector in North Yorkshire, playing an essential part in supporting community action and wellbeing, and providing a voice for local people and underpinning statutory health and social care,” said Community First Yorkshire Chief Executive, Jane Colthup.

“With around 7,000 VCSE organisations across North Yorkshire, that collectively employ the equivalent of around 10,000 full time members of staff and work with more than 67,000 volunteers, our goal is to ensure that they all have the skills they need to thrive and seize new opportunities.

“We know that excellent leadership skills can help drive success. So, as we celebrate International Leadership Week this week, I’m really looking forward to our first conference focused specifically on helping our fantastic VCSE organisations learn from each other.

“With so much diversity on the line-up, it promises to be a thought-provoking and inspiring event.”

Superb speaker line-up

Speakers attending the conference include:

  •  Major General Zac Stenning – Commandant, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst & the Army’s Director Leadership
  • Richard Flinton – Chief Executive, North Yorkshire Council
  • Professor Stephen Eames CBE – Chief Executive of Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership
  • Johanna Hooper – Leadership and change management expert, Limitless Peak Performance
  • Valentina Hynes – Entrepreneur, Founder and CEO of SVH Inc CIC
  • Debbie North – Cabinet Office Disability and Access Ambassador for the Countryside and Founder of Access the Dales

Two interactive sessions, featuring another eight panellists to provide a wealth of different experiences and insights, mean the event will cater for everyone no matter what their background is, how much leadership experience they have or what their career aspirations are.

Find out more and book your place here.

It’s a date… but which awareness day is right for you?

How to make the most of awareness days for your marketing strategy

There are many awareness days and campaign weeks coming up that it’s useful for us all to be aware of – June is a particularly busy campaigning month! Awareness days and weeks can be a great way to fundraise, strengthen your reputation and boost your social media presence.

Did you know there’s even a ‘Take your dog to work day’ (a favourite of ours) and ‘National Biscuit Day (definitely a personal favourite)?

As an organisation, we use them as part of our marketing strategy to help lift our PR activity. The trick is to be selective and only choose those that align with your overall business strategy. Many organisations provide comms packs with ready made content including social media posts, media releases, web copy and graphics which make engaging in awareness all the easier, especially when we’re all limited for time and resources.

Here’s a few that we’ll be getting involved with in the coming three months. As you can see, there are so many and we won’t be able to give a focus to all of them so we’ll select the ones that are most relevant to our business:

May
June
July

 

As you can see, there’s plenty of choice. Do keep an eye on our social media channels and get involved:

Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance launches the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25  

If you have an innovative project that promotes early cancer diagnosis, treatment, recovery and/or patient experience in the Humber and North Yorkshire area, Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance could help you with the funding.

The Cancer Alliance, in collaboration with Health Innovation Network Yorkshire & Humber and the Innovation Research and Improvement System, is proud to announce the launch of the Cancer Innovation Grants 2024/25.

“This is an excellent opportunity to develop our local culture of innovation through adopting and developing new ideas, which have a positive impact on patient experience and outcomes and the local cancer system” Mr Kartikae Grover, Clinical Director of Humber and North Yorkshire Cancer Alliance

The Cancer Innovation Grants form part of the Cancer Alliance’s aim to build a culture of cutting-edge cancer innovations, in line with the NHS Long Term Plan. From small, grass-roots projects, to larger-scale innovation schemes, the Cancer Alliance is encouraging the development or adoption of innovative approaches to cancer that target local priorities for improvement, with a focus on (but not exclusive to) tumour sites with the highest volume of late stage diagnosis:

  1. Oesophageal
  2. Lung
  3. Pancreatic
  4. Colon
  5. Rectum
  6. Non-hodgkin’s lymphoma
  7. Prostate

Who can apply for a Cancer Innovation Grant?

The Cancer Alliance welcomes applications from:

  • Primary and Secondary Care organisations
  • Patients
  • Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs)
  • Wider system stakeholders – e.g. social care organisations

Collaboration is encouraged across organisations and sectors.

What kind of projects will the Cancer Alliance fund?

The Cancer Alliance is looking for newly identified innovations, as well as projects that adopt innovation ideas that have been proven a success elsewhere. Some examples include:

  • Adopting technology or a workforce to implement or embed new ways of reducing demand on diagnostic services
  • Developing patient education solutions, particularly those designed to address health inequalities
  • Initiatives to support increase in uptake of cancer screening programmes, with a focus on specific groups where screening uptake is low

What kind of projects will not receive funding?

Cancer Innovation Grants will not be awarded to support current standards and processes in cancer care – e.g. posts and activities that are part of core services and staffing, such as Clinical Nurse Specialists (CNS).

The Cancer Alliance is not able to fund research or projects that require capital funding.

Grants timeline

Applications Open – w/c 8 April 2024

Applications Close – 5pm, 31 May 2024.

Notification of Grant Award – 21 June 2024

What level of funding is available?

Individual grants will be funded to a maximum of £50,000 and applications to support community-based projects are also welcome at a minimum of £1,000.

How do I apply?
Find out more information on the Cancer Alliance website.

Have your say on affordable housing in and around Settle 

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A new community survey has been launched by the Craven Community Land Trust (CLT) to explore how local residents would like to see the area’s lack of affordable housing addressed.

The survey, which is being supported by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, gives people the chance to have their say on a crucial issue for local communities and help shape Craven CLT policies and priorities for the future.

The impact of insufficient affordable homes has been widely acknowledged, with average house prices in Craven rising once again in 2023 to £281,000 – up nearly 9% in just a year. By comparison, wages remain well below the national average, making it hard for local people to find somewhere they can afford.

In response, Craven CLT is hoping to reach out to people who are currently struggling to find affordable housing in the area. They want to hear from current residents and people looking to return to the area with a local connection, whether that’s work or family.

More than 3,000 questionnaires have been mailed out to residents and there is also the option to complete the survey online – giving lots of ways for anyone to take part.

Rural areas are experiencing a housing crisis

“Rural areas in North Yorkshire are experiencing a housing crisis. With so many people unable to afford to buy their own home, a supply of genuinely affordable rental accommodation is essential,” said Lynn Northrop, Chair of Craven CLT.
“The survey is quick and easy to access online and will help us to make the case for delivering more affordable homes in the Settle area.

“We hope people will be eager to have their say, as it is so important that we address the urgent lack of affordable homes in line with local views and aspirations.”

Craven CLT was set up to provide affordable rented homes for individuals and couples living and working in the Craven area. All properties owned by the Trust will be held in perpetuity, securing affordable rental housing for every occupier.

The Trust also works with local community groups and organisations to protect services and keep them in community ownership.

Complete the survey by May 3

Anyone living in Settle, Giggleswick, Langcliffe or Stainforth is invited to complete the survey either using the paper version posted through their letterbox or online.

Additional printed copies can also be requested by email.

The closing date for responses is Friday 3 May.

What Utility Aid can offer you!

Utility Aid is the UK’s leading energy broker for the charity and not-for-profit sector. As well as helping to secure new contracts with your Electric, Gas, and Water.

Utility Aid can also help with supplier problems, inaccurate bills, advising on renewable energy options, and your journey to ‘Net Zero’.

 

What Utility Aid can offer you!

Free Bill Checking Service – If you don’t know what your bill means or are worried you are being overcharged, Utility Aid will look over your bills, explain what it all means, and point out any discrepancies.

 

National Charity Tender – Utility Aid have set up purchasing baskets which allows customers purchasing powers and competitive rates on all gas and electricity contracts.

Here is a video to find out more.

 

Energy Audits on your Building – If you are looking to start your journey to Net Zero then it is recommended that you have an audit on your building. Click here to learn more.

 

To get in touch with Utility Aid directly, please click here.

Green friendly community buildings: Hovingham Village Hall

We spoke to Mark Wilson from Hovingham Village Hall and Frank Colenso, project lead at Project Purple, who helped install electric vehicle charging points at the village hall.

Hovingham Village Hall turned to Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire to help their hall become a greener space.
How did Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire assist with the village hall’s green project?

Frank: “Project Purple’s aim is to support the Hovingham community in achieving a carbon neutral status. To do this, we’ve undertaken many projects, including installing electric vehicle charging points at the village hall, enabling residents and visitors to gain easy access to electric charging.”

Mark: “The electric charging points have been a brilliant way to work towards becoming a greener community. At first we were worried that they’d be an expense to the village hall, but after liaising with Project Purple and Community First Yorkshire, we’ve been able to get grants in place and have the costs reimbursed by our energy provider.”

In addition to the charging points, what other green initiatives have you introduced?

Frank: “We introduced repair cafes which have been incredibly successful and allow residents and visitors to bring their belongings, including clothing, furniture and jewellery, to get fixed by our expert repairers. Last year, 150 people visited Hovingham’s repair café, and we managed to repair 60 items.”

Mark: “The repair cafes have been an incredible way to waste less and repair more, and we are dedicated to continuing them throughout 2024. No matter how big or small a green project is, every little helps in creating thriving communities.”

About the organisation

Located halfway between Helmsley and Malton lies the picturesque village of Hovingham and its popular community village hall. With a modern kitchen, large main hall and fast wi-fi, the hall has become the bustling heart of the community and is regularly the host of a monthly market, community cafes, bowls club and more.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.

Green friendly community buildings: Whixley Village Hall

We caught up with Sally Scales, chair of Whixley Village Hall, to hear about the hall’s green project to transform their old heating system.

Whixley Village Hall looked to turn their inefficient hall into a green friendly community building. They turned to Community First Yorkshire for support with their energy project.
Sally, why was the green initiative so important to your community?

“Our village hall truly is the hub of our community, with regular social events taking place including badminton sessions, dance classes, pantomimes and festive parties. The hall is regularly used by visitors of all ages, so preserving it for years to come is hugely important to us all.

“Our green project is truly a team effort, with many of the committee members getting involved in different aspects of managing the project.”

How did Community First Yorkshire help?

“We knew we’d need funding to undertake our green initiatives, so we contacted Community First Yorkshire and with their help we were able to gain support and advice about funding applications, which proved pivotal in gaining funding for the project.

“Using the available grants, we’ve been able to install cavity wall insulation and will soon be implementing air source heat humps, installing solar panels on the roof and upgrading our radiators.”

What’s your top piece of advice for village halls looking to make a green change?

“Just like our village hall, many others were built decades ago, and over the years better technology has become available and it’s important to make a change to help preserve our halls for future generations. It may be difficult to know where to start, so be sure to ask for help and enquire about readily available grants.”

About the organisation

Built in 1935, Whixley Village Hall is a community hub in North Yorkshire which hosts dances, parties, quiz nights and sporting events. With a well equipped kitchen, a cosy supper room, a stage and a main hall, the village hall is regularly used for both village and private functions.

How we can help you

As a registered charity, we understand your needs. Our local advisers work across North Yorkshire and will come to you to ensure you get access to the best quality advice and guidance including funding advice, helping you set up as a community organisation, governance and trustees, finance support, marketing advice, and exploring ways to further develop your organisation.

If you know a community group, charity or social enterprise that needs some support to be even more successful, contact one of our friendly advisors on 01904 704177 or info@communityfirstyorkshire.org.uk.

We are funded by North Yorkshire Council and NHS North Yorkshire.