Welcome to the Befriending Network Scotland Member Discussion Forum.<br />Visit the <a href="http://www.befriending.co.uk/">Befriending Network Scotland website</a>. http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/index.php Tue, 07 Sep 2010 02:21:38 +0100 Phorum 5.2.7 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,179,179#msg-179 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,179,179#msg-179
A quick query regarding cash floats.

I would be interested to hear how other services manage cash floats for their befrienders? In particular, those whos befrienders don't come to their work building regularly and tend to use the young persons home as a base. We are proposing 'cash tins' with a float allocate each month - the tins are then brought to supervision every 4/6weeks and topped up (given accurate reciepts are provided).

I appreciate any information you could give me, as we are a new,y developed project you can imagine how helpful your feedback is!

My email is hannah@ssba.org.uk

Thanks
Hannah]]> hannahkinney Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 13:32:49 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,178#msg-178 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,178#msg-178
At the scottish spina bifida association, we are in the early stages of developing our project and currently training our sessional workers. They have all been asked to complete and return their disclosures as soon as possible (all have now done so) however this had no implications for what training they could attend. As with most projects, our main rule surrounding disclosures is that sessional staff cannot support any service users until we have recieved them back.

I hope this useful!

Hannah
Project Coorindator
SEA Change Project
Scottish Soina Bifida Association]]> hannahkinney Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:30:24 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,177#msg-177 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,177#msg-177
Sue]]> Sue Mackay Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:11:34 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,176#msg-176 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,176#msg-176
Thanks! Those are more or less my thoughts and training while awaiting Disclosure is what we have always done in the past. Oh well, we'll wait and see if anything changes internally,

thanks

Jess.]]> Jess Wade Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:03:39 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,175#msg-175 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,175#msg-175
This seems a little over the top! Here in England, even with the currently suspended VBS scheme, there is nothing to say that potential volunteers cannot undergo training in preparation for roles that require disclosure checks and prior to that check being received. Indeed, this is generally seen as a good way of keeping the volunteer "on the hook" while the disclosure process is carried out. However, I suppose it would also depend on how far that training goes in giving the volunteer access to vulnerable groups. If there is no access then why wait? Here at Age Concern Newcastle we have the option of providing induction, organisational, health and safety, equal opportunities and age discrimination training, all whilst waiting for the formal acceptance of the volunteer and satisfactory checking completion. The bottom line is "no check, no access" but there are a number of ways to involve potential volunteers while disclosure checks are awaited.

Regards,

David Shipley
Project Manager: Age Concern Newcastle]]> David Shipley Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:52:57 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,174#msg-174 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,174,174#msg-174
Just a quick query: we've recently been told by our safeguarding manager that we should not allow potential volunteers to undertake any training until we have received their Disclosure back satisfactorily. This is a UK-wide policy for our organisation.

I just wondered what the situation is in Scotland and whether this new directive has been issued because of the Independent Safeguarding Authority (England, Wales & NI)? I hadn't heard anything up here to suggest that, legally, prospective volunteers can't receive training until their Disclosures are back and just wondered if others had?

Jess.]]> Jess Wade Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:29:09 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,173,173#msg-173 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,173,173#msg-173
My project involves sessional workers traveling to and from the young person they are befriending's house before and after each session. It has been suggested that sessional workers should be able to claim back travel expenses incurred and be paid their hourly rate from the time they leave their own house.

We currently cover the cost of any travel expenses incurred during the outing with the young person, and are unsure if we should be covering these additional costs as well?

I would appreciate feedback on how other services deal with the issue of travel to and from the persons house?

My email is hannah@ssba.org.uk

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Hannah]]> hannahkinney Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 12 Aug 2010 10:53:17 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,172,172#msg-172 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,172,172#msg-172
"Virgin Trains is to offer charity workers a 20 per cent discount for work-related journeys on its advance train tickets (including peak times). The company claims it is the first train operator to make such an offer, which starts on 13 August and includes advance fares for all routes, including peak-time journeys. To qualify for the discount for their staff, organisations must get at least 10 per cent of their annual income from voluntary sources and must register as a charity with Virgin Trains CharityLine. If a charity’s annual income is more than £500,000, it will have to provide a link to its accounts on the Charity Commission website as confirmation. Charity staff travelling under the scheme must travel with identification or a letter of authorisation to prove they are making a work-related journey. Tickets can be booked until 23:59 the day before travel.
"This is a way we can provide benefits to lots of charities, which we are happy to do," said Richard Burns, communications manager for Virgin Trains. "We hope uptake will be high."

All the best,

Sam]]> Samantha Rospigliosi Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:45:08 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,170,171#msg-171 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,170,171#msg-171 I intend to send a note to say hello half way through the holidays. I think it is dependent on what other support the person being befriended /mentored has.
I feel that this is all part of understanding life in general, communication is top of the bill, as long as everyone concerned has a clear understanding of the situation and is also aware that the lines of communication are always open then it is manageable. However in EYCP's case we offer a couple of summer outings as well, the peer-mentoring here is still within it's pilot phase and is an add on to the groups offered here, not a stand alone project.

Best wishes
Sue]]> Sue Mackay Befriending Network Scotland Tue, 20 Jul 2010 11:58:30 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,170,170#msg-170 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,170,170#msg-170
Hope you're all enjoying the summer so far.

All the best,

Sam]]> Samantha Rospigliosi Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:03:14 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,169#msg-169 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,169#msg-169
Would either of you mind please sending the template risk assessments that East Dumbartonshire has to me too? Would be very useful for Ecas' befriending project as we're updating our forms and would be good to know what others are using.

Thanks a lot. My email is ros.browning@ecas-edinburgh.org

Cheers

Ros]]> Rosiaina Browning Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:54:01 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,168#msg-168 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,168#msg-168
Would either of you mind please sending the template risk assessments that East Dumbartonshire has to me too? Would be very useful for Ecas' befriending project as we're updating our forms and would be good to know what others are using.

Thanks a lot. My email is ros.browning@ecas-edinburgh.org

Cheers

Ros]]> Rosiaina Browning Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:53:41 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,167,167#msg-167 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,167,167#msg-167
I hope you are enjoying our sunny weather at long last! Thrive are starting 'group' befriending and we would like some advice. What do you think is the ideal ratio of befrienders to befriendees? Is there a minimum and maximum number of clients that should work with 2 befrienders?

Many Thanks in advance,

Alison]]> Alison Barr Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 17 Jun 2010 16:37:03 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,166#msg-166 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,166#msg-166 Cheers

Ros]]> Rosiaina Browning Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 16 Jun 2010 15:06:08 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,165#msg-165 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,165#msg-165
I would think our own Susan Gilchrist would be worth talking to about this.
I'm assuming you know Susan - She's the Training Offider at BNS
Susan is going to be doing a training session for us (BeFriend In Bellshill) early in 2011 on the social aspects of depression - I was talking to her about this just last week
Susan has a history of working in this field - Im sure she'd fit the bill for this
The bad news is that Susan has just gone off to Australia for 4 weeks
I'm sure if this isnt the answer she'll point you in the right direction - Hope all goes well for you


Brian Smith
BeFriend in Bellshill]]> Brian Smith Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:51:46 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,164#msg-164 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,164,164#msg-164
I run a Volunteer Befriending project for adults with physical disabilities. I've had a few requests from volunteers about how to handle different moods of their Befriendees sensitively. Does anyone know of an organisation that might run training on this kind of topic?

Thank you!

Rosiaina]]> Rosiaina Browning Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 16 Jun 2010 09:52:16 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,162,163#msg-163 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,162,163#msg-163
I was prompted to respond as we have a networking event here in London on 24th June for befriending scheme coordinators [counsel and care are hosting] they are having a whole session on sharing practice around fundraising, I could certainly ask some questions for you and feedback.

Directory of social change have a publication 'Community Fundraising' that talks about how volunteers contribute to fundraising, including case studies - Description: Volunteer networks are a key resource for fundraising, but are often not appreciated as they should be. This book demonstrates how to make the most of your volunteers.
[www.dsc.org.uk]

enjoy your weekends! hope to see BNS soon

-]]> Jeanette Boyd Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 28 May 2010 15:11:54 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,162,162#msg-162 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,162,162#msg-162
1. Do any befriending projects have volunteers or other supporters who ever undertake fundraising activities for them? (eg sponsored events) It’s not something we hear about very often and we would be interested in any case studies (and photographs!) for the newsletter.

2. If so, do you set up on-line donation facilities using fundraising websites? Which sites do you use? Are they good value for small charities? Some seem to have high monthly charges which might make them only affordable for larger organisations.

Thanks,
Martha]]> Martha Lester-Cribb Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 28 May 2010 01:00:01 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,161#msg-161 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,161#msg-161
Kim Taylor
Befriending Project Co-ordinator
Edinburg Headway Group]]> Arlene Sutherland Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 07 May 2010 11:04:52 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,160#msg-160 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,160#msg-160
Kim Taylor
Befriending Project Co-ordinator
Edinburg Headway Group]]> Arlene Sutherland Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 07 May 2010 11:04:12 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,159#msg-159 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,159#msg-159
Kim Taylor
Befriending Project Co-ordinator
Edinburg Headway Group]]> Arlene Sutherland Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 07 May 2010 11:03:59 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,158#msg-158 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,158,158#msg-158
Does anyone have a a template letter for when a befriending relationship comes to an end that can be sent to the client.

I am stuck as to how best to do this

Many thanks

Lesley Kerr
Befriending co-ordinator SLTU]]> Lesley Kerr Befriending Network Scotland Fri, 07 May 2010 10:40:57 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,156,157#msg-157 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,156,157#msg-157
We run an identical service in the Isle of Man.
Our vetting procedure takes about 6-8 weeks which is soul destroying for our volunteers who are extremely keen at point of application!
To keep them enthused we start our training programme as soon as they apply and before we receive the check back.
We include them in volunteer social times and ask for their help at fund raisers.
We even take them on buddy visits if appropriate.
Or use them in social groups in a supervised capacity.
Our student volunteers on placement conduct a 'what else is out there' trip around the other chariities which helps them appreciate how we all work together - no police check required for that..

Some food for thougth hopefully.

Maddie]]> Maddie Porter Befriending Network Scotland Tue, 04 May 2010 11:19:59 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,156,156#msg-156 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,156,156#msg-156
Leaha Knapp]]> Neil Ellis Befriending Network Scotland Tue, 04 May 2010 10:26:06 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,155,155#msg-155 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,155,155#msg-155
My name is Brigitte Matthews. I have replaced Catherine King, Senior Co-ordinator for K&D Befriending and I would very much value feedback from anyone who has undertaken, or is in the process of undertaking, one of the above.

Cheers
Brigitte

Email: befriending@hotmail.com
Tel.: 01569 765714]]> Brigitte Matthews Befriending Network Scotland Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:44:00 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,153,154#msg-154 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,153,154#msg-154 Cathi Bertin Befriending Network Scotland Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:50:34 +0100 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,153,153#msg-153 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,153,153#msg-153
Are there any projects who have a paid admin worker who is also a volunteer befriender? If so, have there ever been any issues, for example, around boundaries etc? If not, what are your views on this subject?

Looking forward to hearing your comments.

Flora]]> Flora Todd Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 25 Mar 2010 12:39:51 +0000 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,152,152#msg-152 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,152,152#msg-152 Elaine]]> Elaine Smith Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:35:00 +0000 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,151#msg-151 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,151#msg-151 We have a risk assessment policy and forms - one we fill out for the staff home visit assessment and one for risk assessing activities. I can send both by email if you wish to like to email your contact details to me -elaine@volunteereastdunbartonshire.org.uk
Elaine]]> Elaine Smith Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:23:55 +0000 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,150#msg-150 http://www.befriending.co.uk/forum/read.php?2,150,150#msg-150
Was looking for some help. A few of our befrienders are entering befriendees homes alone and we do not have any risk assessment for that as all staff enter clients homes in pairs and 90% of our matches meet up in public places. Does anyone have the risk assessment paperwork which they use in their project for befrienders entering befriendees homes alone.

Any help would be appreciated

Louise]]> Louise Gibson Befriending Network Scotland Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:37:14 +0000