faithnetsouthwest

0117 304 2298

162 Pennywell Road,
BRISTOL, BS5 0TX

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Supporting Faith in Action in the South West

Welcome to the faithnetsouthwest e-bulletin: news and events for faith groups and those with an interest in faith issues across the South West. Please let us know if you have events planned for next month that you would like to see included. This bulletin is also available on-line.

National

21st September – International Day of Peace

This is the UN International Day of Peace. Faith groups are encouraged to hold a day of prayer for peace.

28th September – Entry Deadline for Insight Festival November 2007

A competition for young film makers to submit a short film exploring faith in modern society. There is a £1,000 prize for the winner.

Contact: John Forrest, 07948 279855, info@insightfestival.org.uk or visit www.insightfestival.co.uk

30th September – Nomination Deadline for Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service

The Queen's Award is a UK National Honour (equivalent to an MBE) launched to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2002. It is awarded to outstanding voluntary organisations and groups of volunteers who devote their time to helping others in the community and improve the quality of life and opportunity for others nominated by their local community. It is easy to nominate at the website, through the hotline or by e-mail.

Contact: 0845 000 2002, queensaward@volunteeringengland.org or www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk

Regional

15th – 30th September – Climate Friendly Fortnight, Wildlife Trusts of the South West (SWWT)

SWWT are seeking individuals and organisations across the region to help them to stage 200 or more climate friendly living activities during the two weeks from Saturday 15 September. There is growing concern among SW wildlife experts that on-going efforts to protect nature will only succeed if the increase in average regional temperatures can be kept at or below 2 degrees C. To encourage more people to look at how they can help to peg the temperature rise while also improving nature’s chances of survival, the SWWT is declaring 15 to 30 September Climate Friendly Fortnight. It will highlight examples of carbon-friendly living, including promoting the use of local, seasonal foods, wise travel and by demonstrating energy efficiency. Jane Laurie, the SWWT’s Climate Change Champion, says ‘the South West is full of interesting, enlightening, examples of climate-friendly living and many of the solutions are cheap and easy to copy.’

Contact: 07818 045 198 or 07842 227 612, climate@swwt.org.uk or www.swwt.org.uk

21st – 28th October - One World Week (OWW)

An annual opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to come together to learn about global justice, to spread that learning and to use it to take action for justice locally and globally, by:

• Working together in caring for the Earth and its resources
• Taking action for justice, equality, peace and fullness of life for all
• Building relationships of mutual respect that cross boundaries
• Running local events that celebrate the diversity of cultures in our communities

Events can also be organised outside of the week as well.

faithnetsouthwest is acting as regional representative for the One World Week Inter-Faith Project, which will bring together three faith groups to exchange ideas on OWW events they are organising, before and after the event. This project will help produce guidance on inter faith involvement specifically for One World Week which will be published on the OWW website for others to use. Contact: Alistair Beattie, 0117 304 2298 or alistair@faithnetsouthwest.org.uk

24th October –Regional Seminar – Improving Diversity in the Teaching Workforce 09.30-13.00 – CEED, 97-107 Wilder Street, Bristol, BS2 8QU

A regional seminar organised by CEMVO to address the issue of under-representation of black and minority ethnic backgrounds among teachers of Physical Education. The event is planned to open a debate and seek a way forward. Registration for the event should be sent by 12th October.

Contact: Dr Sylvie Koestlé, Policy & Research Officer, 0207 426 8957 or sylvie.koestle@EMFoundation.org.u

Bristol

9th September – Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day

Bristol Diverse Doors Open Day is an annual event, which offers the opportunity to visit a range of places of worship and learn about the many faith communities that exist in Bristol. The Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Baha’i, Jewish and Christian communities will all be opening a number of places of worship in the city during the day. These will be marked by a Diverse Doors Open Day poster. Refreshments will be available at many of the venues. Visitors are asked to observe silence if their visit coincides with prayers, and in some venues they may be asked to remove footwear. It should be noted that not all venues are fully accessible for disabled people. For locations and times please contact the Bristol City Council Equalities and Community Cohesion Team.

Contact: Room U15, The Council House, College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR, 0117 922 2329 or equalities.team@bristol.gov.uk, or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/parks

11th & 14th September – Have Your Say on Bristol’s Future, 17.00-20.30 on 11th September – Vassall Centre Fishponds, buffet provided 10.00-13.00 on 14th September – Council House, buffet provided

Two workshops intended to give Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) groups the chance to have their say on the Bristol Development Framework – the plan for how Bristol will develop over the next 20 years. How will Bristol accommodate new homes, jobs and services for the predicted 10% growth in population? The first workshop will look at where development should happen and what sort of development it should be. The second workshop will look at Housing Policy options.

Contact: Denise Martin, Voscur, CREATE Centre, Smeaton Road, Bristol, BS1 6XN, 0117 909 9949 or denise@voscur.org

13th September - Disclosing Safely Workshop

Community Links for Ex-Offenders (CLEO)

Contact: Unit 5, The Gatehouse Centre, Hareclive Road, Bristol, BS13 9JNTel/Fax 0117 902 0340 or e-mail: cleoproject@yahoo.co.uk Website: www.cleoproject.org.uk

14th September – Closing Date, Bristol Multi Faith Forum Job Vacancy

Bristol Multi Faith Forum are seeking to appoint a PART-TIME DEVELOPMENT WORKER. The key task of this challenging role is to support the Forum develop both itself and its role in promoting the needs and concerns of faith communities to statutory, voluntary and other bodies in the City of Bristol. The Forum is supported by funding from Bristol City Council. This is a one year post initially with secured funding to 31st March 2008 with continuation funding being sought. 18.5 hours per week. Flexible working with some core hours and some evening meetings. Starting Salary: £11976 (£23952 fulltime equivalent, pay award pending). A performance related bonus payment may be payable. Experience of development work, presentation and negotiating skills are essential. Interviews 25.9.07

Contact: BMFF c/o 162 Pennywell Rd, Bristol, BS5 0TX or vena@ccisr.org.uk

28th September – Bristol’s Parks and Green Space Strategy Consultation

Bristol County Council are running a consultation on their Parks and Green Space Strategy. The consultation ends on 28th September 2007.

Contact: www.bristol.gov.uk/parks or call 0117 922 3719

29th September – First Sound of Many Waters, 18.00 – Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol, BS8 3BX

This is the launch of a year long series of events organised by the Catholic Diocese of Clifton and a number of other partners exploring the need to care for the environment. Future events in this series will be advertised in this bulletin, see 4th October for the second event.

Contact: 0117 973 8128, contact@soundofmanywaters.org or Sound of Many Waters, Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol, BS8 3BX

4th October – Launch of Not Just Hot Air Schools Project, St Brendan’s Catholic College, Bristol

Launch of the first ever UK Catholic school’s environmental audit project, opened by Miranda Krestovnikoff of BBC Two’s BAFTA award winning ‘Coast’. From 4th October download details of this exciting project for schools from www.soundofmanywaters.org

Contact: 0117 973 8128, contact@soundofmanywaters.org or Sound of Many Waters, Clifton Cathedral, Clifton Park, Bristol, BS8 3BX

13th October – Delighting in the Care of Creation 10.00-15.15 at The City Academy, Russell Town Avenue, Lawrence Hill, Bristol

An event with an environmental theme designed to inspire and equip Christian people taking place on 13th October 2007.

Contact: Vena Prater, ISR, 162 Pennywell Road, Bristol, BS5 0TX or vena@ccisr.org.uk

20th October – Expressions of Healing and Wholeness, 10.00-15.30 – Bristol Cathedral

An event with talks from The Right Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol and Revd Canon Ian Wills. There will also be displays, worship and Eucharist.

Contact: Julia, 0117 902 1774 or Brenda 0117 964 4088

Cornwall

7th September – Let’s Talk: The Eden Project

A day of innovative and thought-provoking workshops looking at creative ways of bringing together local communities and the migrant workers who play such an important role in the agriculture and food processing industries. Building on work begun by the West Cornwall Faith Forum the day is intended to kick-start a national network and welcomes people from across the UK.

Contact: Clare Thompson 01726 222900 or cthompson@sensorytrust.org.uk or visit www.sensorytrust.org.uk

11th September – Faith in Action Tour of West Cornwall, 12.00-14.00 - Elim Centre, Camborne

The West Cornwall Faith Forum continues its tour to venues where important work is being done on issues of concern to faith groups. It is hoped that the visits will provide opportunities to learn from other and to open up peer support discussions around the issue. This time the meeting will discuss Migrant Workers.

Contact: Tom Jane 01209 614 900 or tom@wccn.org.uk

22nd September – Engaging Communities, 10.30-14.30 – Truro Cathedral, Truro

An event to raise the issues connected to the increasing elderly population in Cornwall organised by the Diocese of Truro, Age Concern Cornwall, Cornwall Centre for Volunteers and Cornwall Rural Community Council. There will be speakers followed by debate and discussion. Those wishing to attend should register early.

Contact: Diane Pearson, Adult Social Care, Cathedral Close, Truro, TR1 2TE or dpearson@cornwall.gov.uk

Devon

9th September – Exeter Synagogue Open Day and Concert, 10.30-18.00 – Open Day Exeter Synagogue, Synagogue Place, Mary Arches Street, Exeter, 18.30 – Concert, Exeter Synagogue, Synagogue Place, Mary Arches Street, Exeter

Part of Exeter Heritage Open Days 2007. Exeter Synagogue has been the home of Exeter’s Jewish Community since 1764. Members of the congregation will be on hand through the day to welcome and inform visitors about the historic building, the Jewish faith and its traditions. The day will be followed by a concert by Mor Karbasi who will offer a selection of Ladino, Hebrew, Arabic and Andalusian song of the Sephardic tradition of ancient Spain. Tickets for the evening will cost £10.00.

For tickets contact: 01404 811188 or 01392 251529

11th September – Challenging Arthritis, 13.30-16.00 – Plymouth (venue on application)

Six week workshop with two trained leaders who also have arthritis. The workshop is run in an informal and friendly style allowing plenty of time for questions and discussion. During the workshop, participants learn more about arthritis and a wide range of techniques to help them and their condition.

Contact: 0844 888 2111 or www.arthritiscare.org.uk/InyourArea/SouthEngland

17th -18th September – Workshop, Dealing with Change, 09.30-16.00 at X-Centre, Commercial Road, Exeter, EX2 4AD

Two day workshop facilitated by No Limits Training Group and the Zebra Collective that will get to the heart of these important questions: How can we best tackle change in our own lives?andHow can we best support a person who is dealing with change?Designed for all people looking at change, or working alongside them, e.g. workers in social care, mental health, general health,and community work. Cost: £110.  Lunch & refreshments provided. 

Contact: 01752 606 415 or michelle@zebra.coop

26th September –Issues of Belief, Faith and Culture in the Workplace and Community – Workshop, 09.00-16.00 - The Centre, 3a Watts Road, St Judes, Plymouth, PL4 8SE

A day course providing opportunities to raise awareness and deepen understanding, increase sensitivity, meet people from local faith communities and look at practical ways of promoting awareness and understanding. Relevant to all those who seek an opportunity to explore the issues around belief, faith and culture that influence their work. £35.00 including refreshments and a light lunch. Book before 21st September.

Contact: Plymouth Centre for Faiths and Cultural Diversity, 3a Watts Road, St Judes, Plymouth, PL4 8SE, 01752 254 438, pcfcd@plymouth.gov.uk or www.plymouthcfcd.co.uk

29th September – Sustaining Your Hall, Involving All – Community Council of Devon Access Project, 10.00-13.00 at Spreyton, West Devon

A workshop designed to support management committees to improve physical accessibility (under the Disability Discrimination Act) and then to widen participation in order to work towards financial sustainability and inclusive services and activities for all members of the community

Contact: Gail Hickson, Community Council of Devon, School Hut, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QB, 01392 383 443 or gail@devonrcc.org.uk

3rd October – Introduction to Sustainable Funding Workshop, The Boniface Centre, Crediton

Sustainable Funding is about creating a more stable, long-term funding base via income diversification. This means moving to a more sustainable mixture of diverse funding streams ranging from charitable donations, through grants, service level agreements, contracts, trading on the open market and even loans, depending on the needs of the organisation and the funding opportunities available to it. The workshop is designed to provide an overview of sustainable funding for frontline community organisations and to raise their awareness of the options available to the voluntary and community sector in terms of generating income.

Contact: Gail Hickson, Community Council of Devon, School Hut, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QB, 01392 383 443 or gail@devonrcc.org.uk

8th & 15th October – Solution-Focused Communications Workshop, 09.30-16.00 – Plymouth Community Partnership, Old Treasury Building, Catherine Street, Plymouth, PL1 2AD

2 day course useful to anyone who works with people, and particularly those whose work supports others through problems, e.g. workers in care settings, social workers, mental health workers, community workers, and health staff; and also personnel managers, team managers etc. Book by 1st October.

Contact: The Zebra Collective Ltd, 225 Marlborough House, Granby Way, Plymouth, PL1 4HQ, 01752 606 415 or marc@zebra.coop

16th October – Practical Psychology in the Workplace, 09.30-16.00 – Plymouth (venue on application)

A workshop to gain a better understanding of ‘what makes other people tick’ and your reactions to their behaviour. Intended to help people to create and maintain better working relationships

Contact: Cascade Third Sector Support Services, lindy.booth1@virgin.net or Business Training Associates, 01460 72484, www.kchamberlainandco.com

September/October – Training Course, Working with Young People, Exeter – Venue to be confirmed

If you work in Devon with young people in any setting this course helps to deal with issues of sexual health and relationships. Enables understanding of the issues for young people, provides up to date data, builds confidence in addressing the issues with young people.

Contact: Louise, Annie or Mo, Positive Action South West on 01392 494441 or Louisecole@pasw.org.uk, Anneparker@pasw.org.uk, Mopatel@pasw.org.uk

Dorset, Bournemouth and Poole

22nd September – Harvest of Hope, 19.30 – Winton Methodist Church, Alma Road, Bournemouth, BH9 1AN

Part of the Cut the Carbon March organised by Christian Aid which passes through Dorset 22nd-23rd September. The event features Christian Aid singer and songwriter Martin John Nicholls.

Contact: Southampton Christian Aid office, 023 8070 6969 or phaynes@christian-aid.org

Gloucestershire

15th-21st September – Peace2gether, A week long Festival of Peace

Beginning at 11.00 on the 15th September with a formal launch at the Shire Hall in Gloucester this week includes events held across the county from Cheltenham to Cirencester, from Bourton-on-the-Water to Coleford. The week will end on the 21st September in Cheltenham to mark World Peace Day with a day long exhibition and celebration with music and presentations, including a talk by Claire Bertschinger, the woman who inspired Live Aid.

Contact: 07807 907 015 or www.peace2gether.org. To book tickets for World Peace Day Celebration Contact: Cheltenham Town Hall, 01242 227979 or www.cheltenhamtownhall.org.uk

19th September – The Legacy of Transatlantic Enslavement, 19.30 – St James’ Church, Upton Street, Gloucester

A talk by Revd Arlington Trotman, formerly of the Churches Commission on Racial Justice. Refreshments will be provided following the talk.

Contact: 01452 422 349, revrobertcsimpson@blueyonder.co.uk

Somerset

21st-23rd September – Parish Musicians Weekend, The Ammerdown Centre, Radstock, BA3 5SW

Parish musicians from across the UK will be gathering to sing and play a wide variety of liturgical music. The weekend will be led by David Ogden, former Director of Music at Clifton Cathedral.

Contact: 01761 433 709 or centre@ammerdown.org, www.ammerdown.org

24th September – Launch of the Somerset Faith Forum, 18.30-20.30 – Lutterall Room, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton

Find out more about the different faith groups in Somerset. Exhibitions and displays on the different faiths, presentations from each faith group. Food, teas, coffees and soft drinks provided. All welcome.

Contact: Revd Bruce Thompson, Taunton Inter Faith Group, 01823 275 765, revbrucet@tiscali.co.uk or faithnetsouthwest  0117 304 2298, info@faithnetsouthwest.org.uk

28th September – The Psychology of Fundraising, 09.30-16.00 – Compass Disability Services, Taunton

A course for managers at all levels intended to help manage changes in organisations positively.

Contact: Cascade Third Sector Support Services, lindy.booth1@virgin.net or Business Training Associates, 01460 72484, www.kchamberlainandco.com

5th October – Leading Through Change, 09.30-16.00 – Library, Taunton

Effective, practical strategies for ‘selling’ your cause to a wide range of audiences. For fundraisers at all stages of their careers who want to enhance their skills.

Contact: Cascade Third Sector Support Services, lindy.booth1@virgin.net or Business Training Associates, 01460 72484, www.kchamberlainandco.com

6th – 7th October – Would Jesus Discriminate? 19.15–20.00, 6th October – United Reformed Church, Argyle Street, Bath 15.30-16.15, 7th October – United Reformed Church, Grove Street, Bath

Living Springs Metropolitan Community Church will launch its ‘Would Jesus Discriminate’ campaign on 6th October on the steps of the URC in Argyle Street. To be followed at 20.00 by a concert given by Revd Delores Berry. Revd Berry will be speaking about her life and ministry on 7th October at the URC in Grove Street, afternoon tea will be provided. This will be followed at 18.00 by worship with Revd Barry as guest speaker.

Contact: Revd Kieren Bourne, 01225 851 676 or kowhai45@hotmail.com

17th October – Living for God at Work, 19.30-22.00 – Bath Salvation Army Citadel, Green Park Road, Bath, BA1 1XE

A talk given by David Oliver to give Christians an insight into how much their work matters to God – whatever they do.

Contact: http://www.careforthefamily.org.uk/events/events_single.asp?id=1051

South Gloucestershire

25th September – What Can We Do About – Teenage Pregnancy? – South Gloucestershire Faith Forum, Venue – to be arranged

Bringing together people of faith, community organisations, public bodies and concerned individuals for a panel discussion to identify what can be done about community concerns. The first event will address teenage pregnancy. An event in January 2008 will address environmental issues.

Contact: Alistair Beattie, faithnetsouthwest on 0117 304 2298, alistair@faithnetsouthwest.org.uk

Wiltshire

12th September – The Faith of a Humanist - Swindon Inter-faith Group, 19.30 – The Pilgrim Centre, Regent Circus, Swindon

The meeting will explore what humanists believe and is intended to lead to better understanding of people who are not attracted to, or reject religious faith.

Contact: 01793 534 923 or v.griffiths815@btinternet.com

15th & 21st September – Tea Time promoting Trade Justice with Christian Aid, 15th September, 15.00-17.00 – Immanuel URC, Upham Road, Old Town, Swindon, 21st September, 16.00-18.00 – The Vicarage, Morris Street, Rodbourne.

English people are famous throughout the world for drinking tea.  Christian Aid is inviting all its supporters to take tea together in September, either as individuals, groups or churches.  In this way we can continue promoting trade justice for small-scale growers of tea, coffee and cocoa everywhere.  Tea time is a simple and fun way to make a big difference to the world’s poorest
communities.

Contact: www.christianaid.org.uk/teatime or 0870 076 7766

18th September – Peace One Day, 18.00-21.00 – Trinity Hall, St Laurence School, Ashley Road, Bradford-on-Avon, BA15 1DZ

A ½ hour film about the journey to get approval to have a ceasefire around the world just for one day, followed by a discussion. Provision will be made for Muslims to end their fast and say their prayers. Refreshments for members of other faiths will be offered at the same time.

Contact: www.wwifg.org.uk

23rd September – Puzzling Questions, 19.00-21.00

Beginning a series of evening events with with Paul Griffiths, West England Baptist Association Evangelist, asking life’s puzzling questions. A pre-Alpha style meeting with food, talk and discussions.

Contact: www.paulgriffithsministries.org.uk or call Brian Sweetman on 01793 706 558

21st October – All Together Now – Celebrating One World Week, 15.00-18.00 – The Civic Hall, St Stephens Place, Trowbridge, BA14 8AH

Speakers from different faiths will be invited to talk on how we can all live in this diverse world in peace and harmony. Refreshments and a place for prayers will be provided. There may be a showing of a play produced by a school on diversity.

Contact: www.wwifg.org.uk

24th October – Hope, Swindon Inter-faith Group

An interfaith celebration evening is being planned on the theme of Hope. Contributions from children and young people are sought and ideas for presentations are welcomed.

Contact: 01793 534 923 or v.griffiths815@btinternet.com

Funding

12th October 2007 – Comic Relief Main Grants over £5,000

The deadline for the next cycle of applications for a Comic Relief Main Grant of over £5,000 will be 12th October 2007. Deadlines for later cycles are 28th February 2008 and 15th August 2008. There are 6 programme areas – Young People, Older People, Mental Health, Refugees & Asylum Seekers, Domestic Violence, Disadvantaged Communities. Comic Relief’s vision is to help create a world without poverty and social injustice.

Contact: UK Grants Team, Comic Relief, 5th Floor, 89 Albert Embankment, London, SE1 7TP, 0207 820 5555, Fax. 0207 820 5500, minicom. 0207 820 5579 or visit http://www.comicrelief.com/apply-for-a-grant/uk/

30th October 2007 – Next Application Deadline for Social Enterprise Investment Fund

The Department of Health’s Social Enterprise Investment Fund provides financial support to social enterprise pathfinders and other organisations which are, or are aiming to become, social enterprises delivering one or more health and/or social care services. Funding can be in the form of loans, grants and equity capital or a mixture of these. The total fund is £73 million over four years to 2011. There will be further deadlines for future allocations from the fund.

Contact: Tess Pendle, Partnerships for Health Ltd, New Kings Beam House, 11th Floor, 22 Upper Ground, London, SE1 9BW, 0207 633 4113, SocialEnterpriseFund@dh.gsi.gov.uk or www.partnershipsforhealth.co.uk

Department for Children, Schools and Families – Reorganisation of Funding Streams

The reorganisation of government departments in June has resulted in changes to funding streams. 5 funds are now under the auspices of the new Department for Children Schools and Families (DCSF).  They are: Children, Young People and Families Grant Programme, Local Network Fund for Children and Young People, Community Champions Fund, Independent/State School Partnerships Scheme – Building Bridges and the Parenting Fund.

Visit: www.dcsf.gov.uk

Resources

1st October 2007 – Commission for Equality and Human Rights

Replaces the Commission for Racial Equality, Equal Opportunities Commission and Disability Rights Commission. It will promote and enforce all of the equality "strands": race, sex, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age. Until the CEHR is created, there are no enforcement bodies for discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, religion or belief or age.

Contact: www.cehr.org.uk

21st-28th October – Week of Prayer for World Peace, leaflets and other materials

Founded in 1974, the Week of Prayer for World Peace aims to bring people of all faiths together to pray for peace in the world. A leaflet with prayers, readings and meditations from various Faith traditions has been produced for use during the week along with posters and a special leaflet for use in schools.

Contact: Mrs Lesley Daisley, Week of Prayer for World Peace, 11 Montrose Avenue, London NW6 6LE or 0208 968 4340

3 FbRN Publications – ‘Faiths & Frontiers: on the Star Ship Social Enterprise’, ‘Keeping It Together’ and ‘Priceless, Unmeasureable?’

The Faith-based Regeneration Network has recently published 3 reports. ‘Faiths and Frontiers’ on the role of faith groups in Social Enterprise - £6.00 plus postage, ‘Keeping It Together’ a reflective practice Tool Kit for faith based community development practitioners - £7.00 plus postage and ‘Priceless, Unmeasureable?’ assesses what faith communities DO in community development, what they ADD and what they NEED - £5.00 plus postage. A discount for orders of both ‘Keeping It Together’ and ‘Priceless, Unmeasureable?’ is available, costing £10.00 for both plus postage.

Contact: FbRN UK, Kensington Charity Centre, 4th Floor, Charles House, 375 Kensington High Street, London, W14 8QH, 0207 471 6791 or www.fbrn.org.uk

Reaching Out Project – providing advice and skilled volunteers

Reaching Out is an England-wide project providing advice and skilled volunteers to faith, rural, black and minority ethnic, and refugee and migrant groups. With input from the project these frontline groups can strengthen their know-how and benefit from experienced REACH volunteers.

Contact: 0207 840 5663 or www.reach-online.org.uk/projects.htm