Welcome to our new website and Equalities Monthly!
- Dec 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Hello world!
Before we get into this month's edition of the Equalities Monthly, we just wanted to give you a warm welcome to our new-look website!
In November, we made the move from Wordpress to Wix. This was for a number of reasons, we felt that Wix was a lot easier to use, and will benefit us greatly when it comes to accessibility!
At this time, we are continuing to add new content, pages and more to the site. Keep posted for updates.
If there are any errors, missing information or bugs that you spot, please don't hesitate to contact us and let us know.
What have we been up to at FCE?
As usual we had some interesting discussions as part of our Equality Tester Information Sessions.
We were joined by Becky Donnachie from Terrence Higgins Trust for our Fife Equalities Forum on Wed 14 Nov 2023! On Tue 28 Nov 2023 we were joined by a range of partners to discuss the future development of our Minority Ethnic 60+ Project.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism, we held a drop-in with our partners in the Fife Violence Against Women partnership on Wed 29 Nov 2023, looking at what's happening in Fife to support women.
We also had a mini-drop-in earlier that day for our service users and volunteers to come in and learn more about what we do, meet the team and help us make services more accessible!
On Monday 18 December, we hosted Winter Equalities Fair! It was a great opportunity for partners to engage with people about the support available over the winter period.
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 Braille Day - 04 Jan 2024: Raising awareness of global accessibility issues and how small changes can make a huge difference for individuals.
International Day of Education - 24 Jan 2024: Recognising that education is a human right and encouraging governments around the world to help achieve universal education.
International Day of Commemoration in memory of the victims of the holocaust - 27 Jan 2024: Remembering the Victims of the Holocaust with events and ceremonies across the globe.
Click here to visit our Equality Calendar, share your events and see what's on!
What's happening at FCE?
Please note that our offices are closed between 21st December 2023 and 3rd January 2024 inclusive. Our office will reopen on Thursday 4th January 2024 and we'll restart our engagement and outreach events from w/c 8th January 2024.
To contact us, please leave a message on 01592 645 310, text 07800005834 or email info@centreforequalities.org.uk for non-urgent issues.
If you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of harm or neglect, please call the Adult Protection phone line on 01383 602200, text 07781 480 185 for people with a hearing loss or use Contact Scotland BSL for BSL users.
If you have concerns about a child, call Social Work on 03451 55 15 03 or Police Scotland on 101. If you would like to report a hate crime you can use this form or call the non-emergency Police Scotland line on 101.
In an emergency call 999.
We hope you stay safe and keep well over the winter and end of year season!
Equality Testers
Help us improve local services today. Become an Equality Tester! Our Equality Testers are volunteers that aim to test and provide feedback on accessibility of Fife Council services.
Join us and learn more about the project, how to make your own reports and the vast range of services you can report on.
To learn more and register any concerns, visit our website.
If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact info@centreforequalities.org.uk, call us on 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834 for more information.
Fife Equalities Forum
On Wed 08 November 2023 at 14:00, the Fife Equalities Forum was joined by Becky Donnachie, Health Promotion Specialist for Fife, from Terrence Higgins Trust. There was some really interesting discussions and new connections made.
As part of our Winter Equalities Fair on Mon 18 Dec 2023, the Fife Equalities Forum members came together once again! Our guest speakers were the Fife International Forum, sharing an insight into their work and how we can get involved.
If you are interested in engaging with equalities organisations from across Fife, why not get in touch? Membership is free, simply contact us on info@centreforequalities.org.uk, call 01592 645310 or text 07800 005834 to tell us if you agree for your contact details to be shared with forum members.
FCE Companion Support
If you would like to join the FCE Companion Support Project, please get in touch!
We are always on the lookout for volunteers to help create new connections and reduce social isolation.
Have any questions? Contact Maria@centreforequalities.org.uk or call or text 07796 776545.
The FCE Companion Support project has been supported by the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund through Fife Voluntary Action and Scottish Government.
Is Fife becoming fairer?
Do you find Fife Council services accessible? Do you find it easy to report bullying and harassment? We're collecting feedback on your experiences to help improve the future of service delivery in Fife.
If you or anyone you know has anything they'd like to share, please don't hesitate to get in touch! This is a great opportunity to share how you're feeling and your experiences.
You can also send feedback directly to us at info@centreforequalities.org.uk, calling 01592 645310, text 07800 005834 or write to us at Fife Centre for Equalities, 16 East Fergus Place, Kirkcaldy KY1 1XT.
Joining our Board
We are recruiting suitably skilled people to join the Board to help deliver our vision and mission.
If you are passionate about equality, diversity, inclusion, and social justice, then this could be the volunteering role you’ve been looking for.
Applicants should have a passion and commitment to build a collective voice to champion equality, diversity, inclusion and social justice, along with the ability to provide strong governance and direction to ensure the delivery of our objectives.
These Trustee positions are voluntary, however, out-of-pocket expenses will be met.
For more information, please contact Elric Honoré, Chief Executive, elric@centreforequalities.org.uk or 01592 645 310.
Our Partners' News and Events
People First - Winter Newsletter
People First have released their Winter Newsletter! Check out the work they have been doing across Fife and how their groups have been getting on.
To access the newsletter, click here.
Fife International Forum - Pre-Academy Programme
Fife International Forum are currently recruiting for the seventh cohort of their Pre-Academy Programme. The programme is a range of different workshops and classes to help improve self-confidence, resilience, and more to support individuals looking for employment or education.
If you or anyone you know would be interested in taking part, please contact 01592 642927 or info@fifeinternational.uk.
Getting a Good Deal - Valleyfield Centre
Come along and find out how to make the most of your money with Lynsey.
Share your own bargain-hunting tips and find out more ways of getting a good deal.
Email Kathleen for more info (K.Richardson@wea.ac.uk) or click here to enroll.
Community in Cupar - Training Opportunities and Modern Apprenticeships
Community in Cupar are currently supporting individuals looking for work, as well as Modern Apprenticeship Opportunities in partnership with XL Training.
If this is something you or anyone you know might be interested in, click here for more information or contact stuart@xltraining.co.uk.
Consultations to look out for
Fife Health and Social Care Partnership - Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership are developing a new Mental Health Strategy and Delivery Plan. This is a vital topic that affects us all. They want to ensure that everyone in Fife can access the help and support they need to achieve their best possible mental health and wellbeing.
The strategy will outline how the partnership will work together to promote good mental health for all, prevent mental health issues occurring or escalating, and how we will provide support, care and treatment for people living with complex mental health issues.
More information can be found in this SWAY. Closes 31 December 2023.
Let's Be Heard - the independent Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry
The independent Scottish COVID-19 Inquiry’s listening project, Let’s Be Heard, is nearing the close of its national engagement phase. Since Spring 2023, Let’s Be Heard has been gathering people’s experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic across Scotland.
For more information click here.
There is still time to take part, and they are urging people across Scotland to share their experiences of the pandemic before the project’s national engagement phase ends on 20 December 2023.
Glenwood Area Redevelopment
Plans are being developed to regenerate the Glenwood area of Glenrothes. But before any work begins, Fife Council would like to know what you think about the proposed designs for the new housing, greenspace, and Community Hub.
For more information and to share your views, click here or contact Chris.miezitis@fife.gov.uk.
Pension Age Winter Heating Payment
The Scottish Government has committed to replacing Winter Fuel Payment (WFP) with Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP) on a like-for-like basis.
This consultation asks questions on whether the policy intent set out in the Scottish approach to replacing WFP will best meet the needs of those it is intended to help.
Staying Safe and Keeping Connected
The winter season can be especially tough for some. 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 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
Mark McHall Home Safety Fund: Closes 31 Jan 2024
The National Lottery Community Fund: Ongoing
Barcapel Foundation Limited: Closes 22 Mar 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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