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Sun,18Apr2021

Kickstart Scheme - Harlow Council

HARLOW Council is encouraging businesses to take up the opportunity of government funding to create 6-month work placements for young people.

The government Kickstart scheme aims to support 16 to 24 year olds into employment who are currently on Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. 

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For each job placement, funding will cover:

• 100% of the relevant National Minimum Wage (or the National Living Wage depending on the age of the participant) for 25 hours a week for a total of 6 months

• The associated employer National Insurance contributions

• Employer minimum automatic enrolment contributions

Employers of all sizes can apply for funding. Employers can spread the start date of the job placements up until the end of December 2021.

Applications to the Kickstart Scheme have to be made for at least 30 job placements at a time. Businesses unable to provide that many job placements must use an intermediary who will gather together opportunities from a number of small businesses. Harlow Council is acting as an intermediary for the scheme. You can register your interest by emailing  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Further funding is available for training and support so that young people on the scheme can get a job in the future.

Find more about the Kickstart scheme at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/kickstart-scheme

The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) praised the scheme

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The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) praised the scheme, but said the application process needed to be easier to encourage more businesses to participate.

“Rooted in local business communities across the UK, Chambers are playing a leading role in connecting businesses with young people to create long-term quality employment opportunities. They will want to see the application process simplified,” said BCC director of policy James Martin.

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How is Covid-19 Affecting your business?

13.11.2020 harlow business event agenda page 001

How is Covid-19 Affecting your business? Please join in 13/11

13.11.2020 Harlow Business Event PDF

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Family Activity Sessions
Job Vacancy
Robert Findlay's Retirement
Exploring the Co-op Model
Funding
 
St Clare Hospice
Face Coverings
Harlow Fields School
Public Liability Insurance
Harlow & Gilston Garden Town
Contacts at Rainbow Services
 
Harlow Rugby Club are pleased to be offering FREE activity sessions for the whole family to enjoy together. Complete a short survey to tell us what you would like to see at these sessions.
Survey
 
DWP Work Coach.  The Work Coach holds a key role in the Department for Work and Pensions as you will be helping people and their families towards financial independence through work and enabling them to get the support they need as they move towards this ambition.
More Info
 
Robert Findlay, Town Chaplain, is retiring soon. We will be saying farewell on Sunday 25th October when we will make a gift to him as part of the Heart4Harlow monthly prayer service (via Zoom). Covid-19 regretfully restricts what we can do.
 
Robert has touched many lives across the town including in Business & Commerce, Civic life, Education, Health, the Voluntary Sector, and church life across the area and as part of the town centre parish. The  Annual Community and Business Awards Dinners have been one particular annual highlight. He has been Chair of the Harlow and District Chamber of Commerce, headed the Heart4Harlow Festival and Harlow Showcase, was on the Recreation Trust Panel, and much besides. Then there have been many one to one conversations, and the support given to so many, which have been so valued,
 
If you would like to contribute to the gift, details of how to give and send well wishes are here:
https://www.heart4harlow.org.uk/events/robert-findlay-retirement.php
 
A free event to raise awareness of the co-op potential, arouse curiosity and gauge interest in local ideas around combining the new sense of community.8th October 10.30-12.
More Info
 
Comic Relief, the National Emergencies Trust and the Lloyds Bank Foundation are among 19 funders to receive millions in match-funded cash, the government has announced. The Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) and The Greggs Foundation will also receive money from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, in the final phase of funding from April’s emergency coronavirus package.
More Info
The High Sheriffs’ Fund is calling for applications. Grants of up to £5,000 are available for local projects that address crime reduction, community safety or anti-social behaviour. Examples of work that has previously received funding include a personal safety scheme for older people, educating young people about the dangers of carrying a knife and support for children that have witnessed domestic abuse. The deadline date is Tuesday 1 December
More Info
BAME Healthy Communities Surviving Covid-19.  Resilience and Rebuilding from the Grass Roots.  The aim of this fund is to help small and medium sized BAME groups and their communities build wellbeing, resilience and capacity through their various funded projects following the pandemic.
More Info
Grants are available for charities to support disadvantaged people (particularly the young) or for conservation projects in Essex and the London boroughs of Havering, Barking and Dagenham, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest, or to support Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
More Info
Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations can apply for funding to run projects focused on starting well in life.
More Info
Grants available from The Masonic Charitable Foundation.
More Info
 
St Clare Hospice is holding two virtual Open Hospice events, on 6th and 7th October, as part of national Hospice Care Week. You are invited to attend to hear about how they have navigated the pandemic, what services may benefit your communities and clients, and how to get involved.  
Register for the event on Tuesday 6th October, at 7pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-hospice-tickets-121649363521 
Register for the event on Wednesday 7th October at 2pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-hospice-tickets-121650835925 
 
 
Is access to face coverings a barrier to individuals being able to comply with the Government legislation for wearing them?As part of Essex CVS's role in the Voluntary Sector and Communities Emergencies Partnership (VSCEP) we have been asked to feed in any needs in the community to help inform allocation of resources and strategy.
 
Complete Form
 
Harlow Fields is a Special School meeting the needs of pupils with severe, complex, and learning difficulties. The school intake ranges from ages 3 – 18years.  They are currently seeking a School Governor, if you would like some more information please contact their Chair of Governors Paula:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
Would your organisation be interested in taking part in a webinar about public liability insurance?Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register your interest.
 
Have your say on travel in Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.
The Garden Town team would like to hear the views of those involved in the charity and third sector on the plans for travel across Harlow and Gilston in the future. A virtual Zoom discussion will be held on 26th October 2020, 2–3pm where those who work or are involved with a charity or third sector organisation can have their say.Please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for further details and joining instructions.
 

 

 

 

Have you or your colleagues joined your Harlow Chamber yet?

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Latest News Articles - Please take a read and pass on if you wish..

This week we have the following for you...

Family Activity Sessions
How can digital save the high street?
Contact Tracing
ECC Survey
Funding
St Clare Hospice
Health Help Now
 
The People's Picture Harlow & Gilston Garden Town
Princess Alexandra Hospital
Coronavirus Update
Public Liability Insurance
The Prince's Trust
VCSE Sector Survey
Contacts at Rainbow Services
 
 
Harlow Rugby Club are pleased to be offering FREE activity sessions for the whole family to enjoy together. Complete a short survey to tell us what you would like to see at these sessions.
Survey
 
The DIZ is holding a webinar on 'How can digital save the high street?'
At a time where our high streets are facing unprecedented challenges we will take a look at how digital can help support the traditional high streets to make the most of online opportunities, maximise engagement through social media and drive footfall by giving shoppers the confidence to return. 
Date: Friday 16th October 2020
Time: 11am
 
This webinar is free to attend and we’d love you to join if possible!
 
Book
 
As you may well have seen in the news, the Government’s new Contact Tracing app launched on the 24th September. The app, once downloaded and activated on your smartphone, will log when you are in close proximity to other people and, in the event they test positive for Covid-19, alert you.The public can also check in to public locations by scanning a QR code which organisations can display close to the entrance.
 
It’s important to note that the app doesn’t collect personal data, and no-one can see where you’ve been or what you’ve been up to. It does not track you or check if you have been self-isolating.Also, your organisation may be required by law to display QR code posters where you are open and accessible to the public so people can check in as having been present. This is a legal requirement if you run a café or a  sports facility or civic building, such as a village hall or community centre.
More Info
 
Essex County Council (ECC) and partners want to understand what people’s experiences during Covid-19 has been like over the last few months. The responses you share will help us understand what is important to you and to inform work we do across Adult Social Care (ASC) in future.
 
The survey is aimed at:
  • People aged 18 and over who receive a service from Social Care including the Young People with Disabilities Team
  • Self-funders
  • People who accessed the Essex Wellbeing Service,
  • And informal and family Carers.
More Info
 
Ford Britain Trust pays special attention to projects focusing on education, environment, children, the disabled, youth activities and projects that provide clear benefits to the local communities close to their UK locations. The Ford Britain Trust particularly encourages applications supported by Ford employees, but is open to all, provided that the qualifying organisations meet the selection criteria.
More Info
The current round of the Aviva Community Fund is closing soon, and Aviva are especially keen to attract applications focusing on:
  • Climate/environmental issues
  • Financial resilience and inclusion
  • Using innovation to bring about change and build communities
More Info
 
St Clare Hospice is holding two virtual Open Hospice events, on 6th and 7th October, as part of national Hospice Care Week. You are invited to attend to hear about how they have navigated the pandemic, what services may benefit your communities and clients, and how to get involved.  
Register for the event on Tuesday 6th October, at 7pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-hospice-tickets-121649363521 
Register for the event on Wednesday 7th October at 2pm: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-hospice-tickets-121650835925 
 
 
Over the last few years the Health help Now app has been a great resource for people in west Essex in need of medical advice and support.
However, as technology has evolved, so must we. From 1 October, Health help Now will no longer be available for west Essex residents to download and access.
 
The best way to get health advice is by visiting NHS111 online. Alternatively you can call 111 if you do not have internet access. For urgent medical advice call 999.
 
You can now delete the Health help Now app from your phone
 
The People’s Picture is a photography and design studio from British artist Helen Marshall. Every artwork is made up of thousands of photos yet every single one tells a story. We are proud to be part of a new public arts commission, working with partner Well North Enterprises, to engage with the communities of Harlow and Gilston to help realise their “healthy town” vision.
More Info
 

Jill and Ruth from the comms and engagement team at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAHT) need your help. As part of the trust's plans to build a brand new hospital on a greenfield site by 2025, they are undertaking an ambitious engagement plan to make sure they effectively reach everyone who uses, visits or works at the hospital.
 
At our Voluntary Sector Forum on 23 September, Jill and Ruth presented an update and prompted a discussion on how we can work collaboratively with the hospital team to make sure all our communities feel involved in the design and progress of the new hospital, especially our hard to reach and vulnerable groups.
 
The PAHT team would like to know:

  • ​whether you'd be happy to receive ready-to-use slide decks from time to time so that you could facilitate short, focused engagement​ with your community groups on their behalf
  • whether you have existing comms channels (eg social media, newsletters, forums, virtual meetings) that would be happy to receive updates on the new hospital progress
  • whether there are any particular issues you can foresee from within your community groups so they can plan targeted engagement to help address those concerns and opportunities
  • any other ideas you have to make sure the comms and engagement is regular, effective and inclusive!

Please feel free to contact Jill or Ruth directly:
 
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 
You can also follow the progress on the hospital microsite and social media:
https://www.pah.nhs.uk/newhospital
facebook:  @NHSHarlow
twitter: @NHSHarlow
 
An update from Essex County Council.
More Info
 
Would your organisation be interested in taking part in a webinar about public liability insurance?Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to register your interest.
 
The Prince’s Trust are still offering Development Awards to young people looking for a one off grant to help towards equipment, travel, course fees, work clothing and lots of other things related to getting back into education, training or employment. These grants are available for young people aged 16-30.
Contact Claire for more information: Direct Line 01268 568590 Mobile 07984 005934
 
A survey for local voluntary and community groups to share the affect of Covid-19 on their organisation.
More Info
 

Rainbow Services provides infrastructure support to local voluntary and community groups, holding regular meetings and publishing a weekly e-bulletin.

Voluntary Sector Forum
Road Safety Survey
Free Parent Course
My Support Space
Funding
New Hospital Website
Reimaging Help Guide
Compassionate Neighbours
 
Essex Community Foundation
Voluntary Sector Training
Changing Lives
Essex & Herts Digital Innovation Zone
VCSE Sector Survey
Roots Pod Academy
Contacts at Rainbow Services
 
Voluntary Sector Forum
The next meeting of the Voluntary Sector Forum is on the 23rd September via Zoom at 10am.  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/8349373746?pwd=ejF4dzhtT05qTGxKTWU4TDFmSFJVZz09
Road Safety Survey
The Government is currently reviewing roads policing, and what the future of traffic law enforcement may look like. You are invited to complete this short survey to help inform the Police and Crime Commissioner’s response to Government.
Survey
Free Parent Course
A new course for parents on Challenging Behaviour.
This will be a six week course for 1 hour and will be delivered online via zoom.  Times are yet to be confirmed but the course starts on the 28th September.  Please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  for more information.
My Support Space
Victim Support have launched a new online support resource called ‘My Support Space’ for anyone affected by crime in England and Wales.
More Info
Funding
Here to Help seeks to raise awareness of the help grant-giving charities could provide to those struggling financially as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and additionally raise awareness of the work of this often lesser-known part of the charity sector. 
More Info
The Public Health Community Grant Fund offers funding of up to £3000 for health and wellbeing projects. The grant is open to community, voluntary and private sector organisations that provide services to the residents of Harlow.
More Info
New Hospital Website
The website for the new hospital, the site contains information about the planning and progress of the new hospital project.
More Info
Reimagining Help Guide
An evidenced-based approach to helping people reach their goals.
More Info
Compassionate Neighbours
Join St Clare as a Compassionate Neighbour and help change lives.
More Info
Essex Community Foundation
Essex Community Foundation is seeking new trustees to join their Board. As a charity for Essex, they would like to hear from people who live and/or work locally and are particularly interested in applications from people living in the south or west of the county. They would like to ensure that their Board reflects the diversity of those who form the communities that they support so particularly welcome interest and applications from people of colour, people under 40 years of age, and LGBT+ people. You do not need previous experience as a trustee.
More Info
Voluntary Sector Training
The latest online training from Voluntary Sector Training. 
More Info
Changing Lives
Early Intervention Activity Project every Tuesday and Thursday until half term.
More Info
Essex & Herts Digital Innovation Zone
Essex + Herts Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) has, following a public vote, received national recognition as one of the Top 3 Cross-Sector Digital Collaborations in the Digital Leaders DL100 2020 list. The DIZ had previously been announced as one of the ten finalists in the category. The final category winner will now be determined following a final round of judging and announced on 15th October as part of the Digital Leaders DL Week.
More Info
VCSE Sector Survey
A survey for local voluntary and community groups to share the affect of Covid-19 on their organisation.
More Info
Roots Pod Academy
Roots Pod Academy work with young people through business start-up workshops and they are looking for professional mentors to:
  • Have a one-off call to answer questions about your own career journey and your profession.
  • Offer 1-2 weeks of work experience, or
  • Facilitate a 45-minutes workshop.
More Info

Useful links

  • Princess Alexandra Hospital has launched a new microsite where you can see all the latest information on plans for Harlow’s new hospital.

 

  • Essex County Council was one of the first local authorities in the country to launch a coronavirus test and trace system. This system will be part of the national NHS system and will be used to monitor complex cases such as workplaces, schools and care homes.

 

 

Rainbow Services an award-winning charity based in West Essex whose mission is to work for change to alleviate the effects of disadvantage, deprivation and social exclusion.

 
Family Fun Activity
Harlow Rugby Club are pleased to be offering free activity sessions for the whole family to enjoy together.  Active Essex and Rainbow Services would like to hear your views on when these sessions should take place.  Please complete this short survey, link below.
Survey
An Active Essex 
The purpose of this publication is to provide a position statement about the increased importance of physical activity since the Covid-19 pandemic, and to continue the conversations across Greater Essex about what the main priorities are for the future, and where resources are most needed.
More Info
Virtual Workshops
Reconnecting with the Office. A workshop to prepare you for the return to office working and addressing healthy routines and coping strategies.15th September 10am-12pm
24th September 2-4pmTo book email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Uniquely You. A workshop to help you make the most of your working relationships.22nd September 10am-12pmTo book email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Funding
The LGBTQ+ COVID-19 Fund is funded by Comic Relief, and METRO is the lead intermediary partner distributing these funds to the sector.  The Fund is for LGBTQ+ community-led organisations and groups to support their vital role in supporting LGBTQ+ communities through the coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
More Info
GSK’s IMPACT Awards reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing. Organisations must be at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with income between £80,000 and £2.5 million.
More Info
Mothers and babies will benefit from a new multi-million pound fund to give people from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) or poorer backgrounds the best chance at a healthy start in life.
More Info
Charity Commission
The Charity Commission has launched its new online register of charities, which includes more details with the aim of increasing transparency.
More Info
The Enterprise Wing
The Enterprise Wing is a seven week business development programme for young women, offering start-up advice, positive mentoring, and access to the tools and the right people to enable a successful business launch.
 
Participants will be helped to establish their initial business idea, understand customers and how to reach them, and how to pitch. 
 
WHEN: Thursday 24th September - Thursday 5th November @ 17:00
WHERE: Online through MS Teams
COST: Free
WHO IS ELIGIBLE: Women aged 16-25, NEET/at risk of exclusion based in London, East Herts and West Essex
 
More Info
Covid-19 testing
Please see below information from West Essex CCG on booking a Covid-19 test.
More Info
Coronavirus Outbreak FAQ's
From Monday 14th September the rules on social gatherings change.  Please check the FAQ's link below, as it will be illegal in certain circumstances to have gatherings of more than 6 people – but there are exceptions to this.
More Info

Virtual Workshops

Virtual Workshops
Reconnecting with the Office. A workshop to prepare you for the return to office working and addressing healthy routines and coping strategies.15th September 10am-12pm
24th September 2-4pmTo book email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Uniquely You. A workshop to help you make the most of your working relationships.08th September 2-4pm
22nd September 10am-12pmTo book email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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  3. See, Hear, Respond Support Hub
  4. Hearing Help Essex
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