VIEW FROM THE PEAK  -  The Newsletter of the Small Group Project
Summer 2002 - Issue No 6

PROJECT UPDATE

Recent highlights

We have just completed our 3rd year and are wondering where the time has gone.

Recently SGP has been instrumental in setting up a Development Workers' Forum which has more than 18 members who share information and items of interest.

Much time has been devoted to completing application forms for SGP future funding (see later).

At the One World Festival in June, it was great to see so many people the SGP has worked with.

Another highlight was attending the Millennium Awards Ceremony with Liz Martin of Access Buxton. Liz was a Scope Award winner and it was really good to see their hard work recognised

Another three years?

The SGP has been granted further funding from Comic Relief. The Project has been running for 3 years as a pilot. It has proved very successful at reaching groups Comic Relief identify as a priority. They have now agreed to extend their support and will remain our major funder.

We have also been granted funds from Joint Finance, Lloyds TSB and are awaiting the outcome of other applications. However, it seems very likely that the SGP can continue for a further 3 years.

*********HOORAY!********

A New Home!

The next phase of the Small Group Project will be as part of the new High Peak Council for Voluntary Service (CVS). The CVS will be based in Whaley Bridge from September (address at end). Although it's sad to be leaving Glossop VB, I'm looking forward to being part of the CVS team and helping develop their services to the voluntary sector. The SGP will still work across the High Peak, including Glossop, of course.

CVS staff

The SGP is already integrating with the CVS. Two of the staff have been appointed. These are Kevin, the Chief Officer and Gina, the administrator. Eventually there will also be another Development Officer and a part-time Information Officer. Together we'll be able to offer a wide range of services and support.

SGP Resources

The loan of SGP resources continue to be a popular service to groups. Don't forget we can lend your group, completely free of charge, the following:-

• Digital camera
• Gazebo
• Display Boards
• Video to help you apply for funds

A new service that we will be making available to groups is to allow occasional use of our computer. This will be helpful for one-off type of tasks, such as producing a poster, or typing up minutes of a meeting. Not every group has its own computer!

NEWS FROM THE ACCESS GROUPS

The SGP has spent a lot of time in the past three years .working with the 3 Access Groups of the High Peak. Two of the groups, Access Buxton and Access Glossop, have been helped to start up from scratch and the well-established Access Hope Valley has recently approached the SGP for support. The Access Groups will find their services increasingly in demand as the implications of the Disability Discrimination Act become realised.

Access Glossop

Access Glossop was successfully launched on 31 January and has 'hit the ground running'. It has a strong committee with a majority of disabled people. In June they had a stall at Glossop Carnival which included a wheelchair slalom, quiz and Brailling demonstration. They really raised awareness of access issues to a wider public.

In July, Access Glossop hosted a major training event in Access Auditing. Funding was successfully sought from the Learning & Skills Council for the Centre for Accessible Environments to deliver a day's training in access auditing in Glossop. As well as the Glossop Group, Access groups from Buxton, Hope Valley and Dronfield were represented, together with members of staff from Derbyshire Coalition for Inclusive Living. Everyone agreed that it was really useful training.

Access Glossop Carnival Stall	Training in Access Auditing

Access Buxton

Access Buxton continues to thrive and several of its members attended the Glossop group's launch. It held a very successful Annual General Meeting in April, which many other disability groups attended and set up their stalls. Three of the members have conducted assessments of the Churches in the Buxton area as part of their Scope Millennium Award.

Access Hope Valley

Saturday, 14th September 10 am - 12 noon is the Access Hope Valley's 'Awareness Raising Day' . This is to be held at Losehill Hall, in Hope which is an accessible venue. A sign language interpreter has been arranged and a hearing induction loop is available.

Do come along to support the group and its aims of enabling everyone to fully participate in society.

Tom Levitt, the High Peak MP will be in attendance and Mark Shrimpton of the Disability Rights Commission will address the meeting. There will be displays from other disability groups and supporters and refreshments will be served.

If you have difficulties with transport, it may be possible to help. Give Sandy a ring at 01457 858529.

Forum of Derbyshire Access Groups

The three High Peak groups are all members of the newly-formed Derbyshire-wide Forum of Access Groups. Having worked as a steering group for the last year, this was officially launched on Wednesday, 17th July in Matlock. The Small Group Project wishes the Forum the best of luck with its future work.

OTHER HIGH PEAK GROUPS' ACTIVITIES

The Caterpillar Club is the idea of Rachel and her friend Karen who have asked the SGP to help them start this new support group for parents and children in the High Peak.

Rachel's son Turrum suffers from Perthes disease which is a little understood condition. It can be very painful and limit physical activities. Families affected can suffer a great deal of stress as the disease often can result in challenging behaviour.

Turrum has helped in planning the group's proposed activities. It is intended to provide creative opportunities and raise self-esteem of the children who can often feel isolated from their peers. Just as important is the chance for families to meet, share experiences and develop a support network.

If you have a child affected by Perthes or a similar condition and would like to be part of this new group, Karen would be really pleased to hear from you. Give her a ring on 01298 22697

The Gateway Club of Glossopdale has recently taken 22 of its members on a memorable week's holiday to Devon, Local fundraising supports the activities for members who experience learning difficulties. Recent fundraising has included a concert in Hadfield raising over £200, £500 from Glossopdale Community College and £1000 from a sponsored bike ride. Contact through Glossop VB.

High Peak Writers group meet regularly at the Grapevine Café in Buxton. The SGP has recently helped them organise a 'Bitesize' session 'Exploring Feelings through Creative Writing'. This proved really successful and they are now planning future workshops. If you are interested in joining the group ring 01298 72283.

Peak VIPs is a club for visually impaired people. The SGP has recently been helping them with developing their Management Committee and accessing funding. They have been successful in their bid to the Rural Transport Partnership for help with transport needs. They would be pleased to hear from anyone with sight problems. They hold regular get-togethers and arrange trips out. If you would like further information contact Jim at 01298 78911.

Footsteps of Whaley Bridge

'The only thing that's changed is that they don't sell shoes any more!'

The shoe shop in Whaley Bridge was always a popular meeting place for people to pass the time of day with George Hill, its then owner. Since his retirement, it has now become an even more important community venue. For the many local people who drop in there is always a warm welcome and hot drink. Snippets of local history and local maps are available for visitors and instead of shoes, the shelves are now lined with books for sale and the friendly volunteers always find time to chat to those who are isolated or lonely.

However, this is just the beginning of plans for the Project. It is hoped that many other resources and facilities will be on offer at Footsteps, responding to the many and varied needs of the community. Training and IT are in the pipeline and the group have just received a £25,000 grant from Vital Villages which will help them refurbish the premises and make it accessible to disabled people.

NOTICEBOARD

Would you like to join a Community Arts project making environmental sculptures? Working with the National Trust it begins on 30 September with the final event held on 18 October. Further info from Ben Turner at 01457 851600 ext 3722

Interested in saving energy and money? A new project run by HPBC may be able to help. They can arrange to deliver an interesting presentation on energy issues at one of your meetings. This is a free service. If you would like the members of your group to benefit from expert advice, contact Fiona or Bill at 01298 28480.

Disability Groups who need transport for training or to enable them to volunteer at projects in the High Peak, may be able to benefit from a new accessible mini-bus which can take up to 3 wheelchairs. For further info ring Sally at 01298 23970 or Siobhan at 01298 812535.

Is your organisation plagued with unwanted telephone calls? If you would like to take advantage of a free service ring 0845 070 0707, which is the number for the Telephone Preference Service. You will be guided through a procedure which will put an end to unsolicited sales and marketing calls.

Derbyshire ERA are running arts workshops in New Mills between August and November 2002. If you're interested in mosaic, sculpture, drawing/painting, printmaking, performance, music or crafts ring Lisa for more info at 01663 741862

Trustee Training

If you're on a management group that means you!

Managing the organisation 10 September 02 at Hope. Considering the roles and responsibility of committee members.
Legal & Charitable Status 30 October 02 at Buxton. Choose the most appropriate leagal structure for your organisation.
Planning Ahead 19 November 2002 at Glossop. Planning will help groups be clear about aims, directions and the necessary resources.
Managing Staff 23 January 2003 at Bamford. Policies to help ensure good employment practice.
Managing Resources 18 February 03 at New Mills. Budgets and financial procedures.
Equality and Quality 11 March 2003 at Glossop. Equality legislation and quality systems.

All the above courses are free and last from 10am 'til 4pm. For further information and application form contact Sylvia Green, Glossop Volunteer Bureau on 01457 865722

Other Useful Training

Data Protection 23 September 2002 at Bradbury Community House, Glossop.
Make sure that your group is complying with the Act.

Communication Skills 18 November 2002 at Bradbury Community House, Glossop.
Empowers volunteers and staff to be confident, compelling communicators.

The above 2 courses are completely free (including lunch). To book ring Debbie at 01457 865722

This Newsletter is available in other formats - If you require a copy in large print, Braille or on tape, please get in touch

PLEASE NOTE

The Small Group Project's new address is:-
C/o High Peak CVS, Bingswood Trading Estate, Whaley Bridge, High Peak

At the time of going to press CVS phone is not yet connected. If you ring my old number at 01457 858529 you will be redirected.

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Sandy Schofield - Co-ordinator for Small Group Project