Equalities Monthly - April 2024!
- Apr 15, 2024
- 2 min read
Hello world!
Welcome to the April edition of our Equalities Monthly, we can't believe how quickly the month has flown by! We're excited to show you all of the local events, awareness days, consultation opportunities and more.
We are always on the lookout for new activities and updates to add to our monthly, if you or your organisation has something coming up that you would like us to share, contact us and let us know.
You can also submit events to our new look Equality Calendar!
What have we been up to at FCE?
March has been a month of planning, research, drop-ins and more! We have been busy preparing for our upcoming Get-Togethers, consultation inputs, end of year reporting and our Equality Briefings.
The Fife Equalities Forum came together on 13 Mar 2024 with members sharing service updates and possible points to collaborate.
We have been celebrating International Women's Day with a range of events alongside partners in the Fife Violence Against Women Partnership and Soroptimists!
Equality Calendar Dates to look out for:
Our Equality Calendar showcases all of the upcoming equalities awareness days, partners events and local consultations! Check out some of the upcoming international days below:
World Immunisation Week - 24 - 30 Apr 2024: Celebrating 50 years of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation and raising awareness of the importance of vaccinations.
International Lesbian Visibility Day - 26 Apr 2024: Recognising the challenges faced by lesbians across the world, as well as celebrating the achievements and contributions made.
National Stalking Awareness Week - 24 - 28 Apr 2024: Raising awareness of the signs of stalking, what support is available and how you can get the help you need.
Click here to visit our Equality Calendar, share your events and see what's on!
What's happening at FCE?
Upcoming Get-Togethers
On Tue 23 Apr 2024 we're going to be having a wee Get-Together at the Old Parish Centre, Short Lane, Cupar KY15 5EQ.
It's a great opportunity to meet new people, form connections, learn about what's happening in Fife and share any concerns or barriers that you are currently facing.
Come along and join us for a cuppa and a blether - if you're interested in coming, please contact us at at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834 so we can account for numbers.
Scottish Disability Commissioner Consultation - Drop-in Sessions
As part of the Disability Commissioner (Scotland) Bill, FCE will be hosting some in-person and online drop-in sessions for anyone interested in sharing their views on the upcoming bill:
Tue 07 May 2024 from 11:00 to 13:00 - In-person session at the FCE Office.
Thu 09 May 2024 from 16:00 to 17:00 - Online session on Microsoft Teams.
Looking to come along? Let us know by getting in touch with us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text on 07800 005834 or write to us at Fife Centre for Equalities, New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT.
Fife Equalities Forum
Our next Forum will be taking place on Wed 08 May 2024 from 14:00! It's a great opportunity to connect with new organisations and groups, share any updates on what's happening in your area and collaborate to improve services and eliminate barriers across Fife.
For more information, please visit the Forum webpage here. Keep posted as we release our online Fife Equalities Forum that features all of the meeting notes, presentations and discussion topics!
If you're interested in attending our Forum and joining the network, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Contact us using info@centreforequalities.org.uk, call 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834.
Equality Calendar
We've been busy adding new consultations, events and more to our Equality Calendar! Do you have an event or regular activity that you'd like to promote? You can add your items directly on to our Calendar or submit them to us.
For more information and to add your event, visit our Equality Calendar page here.
FCE Companion Support
We are always on the lookout for new volunteers as part of our Companion Support Project.
It's a great opportunity to learn more about communities, get out and about around Fife and bring people facing social isolation together as part of our Get-Togethers and events!
If you'd be interested in volunteering with us, please contact maria@centreforequalities.org.uk, call us on 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834.
Is Fife becoming fairer?
Do you feel safe when out and about in Fife? We're looking for your views on community safety, accessibility and other aspects of life in Fife!
All of this feedback will be shared with Fife Council to help make Fife a fairer place to live, work and study.
To feedback please respond to our short survey here.
Our Partners' News and Events
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership - Annual Carers Experience Survey
We are keen to hear about your experience as an unpaid carer and how you are supported to carry out this important role. Your feedback will help inform and shape our improvement plans and decisions about what support we are able to offer you.
You can access the Annual Unpaid Carers Experience Questionnaire by clicking here.
Community Learning Development - Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Training in the Hubs
Erman Maglalang, Community Education Worker has teamed up with Danielle Wong of With You Charity to organise an Overdose Awareness and Naloxone Training which will be delivered in 4 South and West Fife Community Assistance Hubs - Inverkeithing Civic Centre, Parkgate, Oakley and Valleyfield Community Centres.
The training and awareness session is 2 hours long and 2 sessions are running on the day - one in the afternoon and one in the evening (for those who are working). This is for the whole community - those who are at risk, families, individuals, adults/young people and staff are all welcome to attend.
The sessions will be on the following dates and times:
Thursday / 18 April - Inverkeithing Civic Centre / 1-3 pm and 6-8 pm
Thursday / 25 April - Parkgate Community Centre / 12:30-2:30 pm and 6-8 pm
Wednesday / 01 May - Oakley Community Centre / 12:30-2:30 pm and 6-8 pm
Thursday / 09 May - Valleyfield Community Centre / 12:30-2:30 pm and 6-8 pm
Should you be interested in attending one of the sessions, you can contact Erman to assist you with any bookings @ Erman.Maglalang@fife.gov.uk.
The Leven Programme - Community Capsule
The Leven Programme is thrilled to invite you to participate in a unique project, the Community Capsule, that celebrates the rich heritage and vibrant future of Levenmouth.
The Community Capsule aims to capture and preserve the rich stories, memories, aspirations, and dreams of the people of Levenmouth for both present and future generations to cherish. We invite anyone, whether individuals or community groups to contribute.
Whether you've lived in Levenmouth for generations or have just arrived, your voice matters. We invite you to share your personal connections to the area – perhaps a favourite memory by the river, a tale from the historic railway, a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage, or even your dreams for the future of Levenmouth.
How Can You Contribute?
Contributing to the Community Capsule is easy and fun! You can express yourself in any way you like – through writing, artwork, photographs, or anything else that speaks to you. Let your creativity flow as you share what Levenmouth means to you.
You can submit your item on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 11am-4.30pm from now until 1st Sept 2024 at the following address:
Methil Heritage Centre
272 High Street
Methil
KY8 3EQ
The Ecology Centre - Forest School Programme
We are looking for new referrals for our Opportunities Fife project. We have Forest school available and volunteering opportunities - recruiting now!
Our project is jointly funded by Fife Council's Opportunities Fife/No one left behind NOLB and Scottish Government.
We are engaging with individuals of various age groups, 16-65 and over, backgrounds, including those with additional needs and those disengaged in mainstream education and those looking to overcome barriers to work, e.g in poverty.
Anyone who would benefit from support to move forward in life and achieve goals.
We will encourage improved skills in education, estate and woodland management and more!
An increased confidence and building self-esteem in a nature setting.
Improved teamwork and knowledge of the woodland environment, ecology, sustainability, conservation, restoration Forth, and safe working practices.
Improved mental health and well-being. Developing key skills.
We have a variety of job roles to meet the needs and skills of a range of individuals. We strive to improve access for all.
We have a FOLA Forest school qualification Level 4 and a Volunteering programme which both compliment each other. In fact some participants are Volunteering and gaining FOLA qualification simultaneously.
We accept referrals from organisations and self/family referrals for age 16+.- 65 and over.
FOLA 4 Courses are 8 week blocks, each session 2-3 hours per week, groups of 10.
Volunteer placement are on average 37 hours long with flexibility on how this is structured.
Just released dates for FOLA Forest school 4:
We would like to deliver a FOLA 4 course during the summer term.
Dates: Tuesdays - 30th April, 7th May, 14th May, 21st May, 28th May, 4th June, 11th June, 18th June.
Timings: 10 - 12:30
Location: The Ecology Centre (we could deliver off-site if needed)
Transition St. Andrews - St. AndReuse
Focusing on reusing and rehoming unwanted items, St AndReuse is a town-wide project that aims to tackle waste, save carbon, keep money in our pockets and build community, by passing on what we no longer need.
They host regular drop-off sessions, collections, clothes swaps and other initiatives. If you're interested in learning more and getting involved, please click here.
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership - Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 is 'movement'. Being active is important for mental health and wellbeing.
In Fife we are encouraging people to 'Move for your mood'. This means finding ways you can build movement into your day, and understanding
how this benefits your mental health and wellbeing.
Health and Social Care Partnership’s Health Promotion Service and Fife Council Active Communities Team will hold 2 drop-in sessions on MS Teams in the run up to Mental Health Awareness Week. Please join one of these sessions to find out more about this years theme and the resources and support available to promote the campaign in Fife. Click on the link to join the session - no booking is required.
Thursday 18th April - teams link
12.30 - 1.30pm
Tuesday 30th April - teams link
12.30 - 1.30pm
To mark the campaign we are running 2 workshops on 'Move for your mood'.
These workshops will:
• Outline the benefits of activity for mental health
• Explore ways of bringing activity in to our day
• Signpost to resources, opportunities and support in your local area and across Fife
Tuesday 14th May, 10.00-12.00- virtual workshop on MS Teams
Thursday 16th May, 10.00-12.30 - face to face workshop - venue in Dunfermline area to be confirmed
If you are interested in booking a place on one of these sessions please email fife.healthpromotion@nhs.scot
Consultations to look out for
Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation:
This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how to ensure equality of opportunity for all by embedding equality, inclusion and human rights into practice.
Scottish Court Fees 2024-25:
The Scottish Government, in consultation with the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS), usually undertakes a review of the court fees raised in the majority of Scotland’s courts every 3 years and, as a result, new court fees are set for the following 3 years.
Investing in Planning: a consultation on resourcing Scotland’s planning system
The consultation explores a range of solutions to support resourcing of the planning system. It sets out options which have the potential to improve the capacity of the Scottish planning system, in particular in planning authorities, in the coming years.
Disclosure Scotland fees: discounting, waivers and accredited bodies consultation
In this consultation, the Scottish Government are seeking views to enable them to consider fee discounts for certain groups applying for Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme membership disclosures and views on the fees applied to organisations acting as accredited bodies.
Consultation on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024: Statutory Guidance on Part 2 and 3, section 18
Looking for your views on the upcoming act. The aim of the Act is to deliver a proactive culture of everyday accountability for children’s rights across public services in Scotland. The Act also seeks to empower our children and young people to claim their rights and help to make Scotland the best place in the world to grow up.
Staying Safe and Keeping Connected
The winter season can be especially tough for some. Fife Adult Support and Protection have released their Staying Safe and Keeping Well booklet, which has a wide range of different support available for anyone looking for a little helping hand.
Are you concerned about someone who may be at risk of harm or neglect?
Call the Fife Adult Protection Phone Line on 01383 602200 or in an emergency call 999.
If you have concerns about a child, call Social Work on 03451 55 15 03 or Police 101.
Funding
Music for All - Community Project Funding: Closes 01 Jul 2024
The Scottish Government - Climate Engagement Fund: Closes 07 May 2024
The Nuffield Foundation - Research, Development and Analysis Fund: Closes 16 Sep 2024
UK Government - Community Ownership Fund: Opens May 2024
Get in touch
Do you have any concerns that you would like to share? Or just looking for a chat? Get in touch!
Email us at: info@centreforequalities.org.uk
Call us on: 01592 645310
Text us using: 07800 005834
Or even write to us: New Volunteer House, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT
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