It’s that time again, here is the fourth edition of the SDS Branch Communication Update. Please circulate to your members and anyone else you think may benefit.
We do hope you are keeping well and any feedback on these communications would be welcome. For information and Support during the Covid-19 please use the SDS website for all links that have been circulated previously.
- SDS Strategic Plan 2021 Consultation is open! SDS needs your input. Thanks to all those who have shared this already and please continue to promote and encourage people to respond. The link to the form can be found here and should take approximately 10-15 mins to complete.
- Dates for your diary:
-
- Branch Networking Day: SDS are holding a Branch Networking Day on 13 May. All branches are scheduled to be represented on the day.
- 27 September: SDS AGM, Awards and Branch Conference. Nominations for SDS Awards will be sent out in June. Please consider who you wish to nominate
- SDS will continue to keep all branches up to date with any amended dates for your diary as and when the picture becomes clearer.
- These links will assist organisations in their use of technology during lockdown and features hints and tips.
National Cyber Security Centre Top Tips for Staff
New world, same rules: safeguarding and privacy
- Branch activity: Forth Valley continue to post daily content for their members such as new recipes on a Tuesday, Sporting Memories on a Friday, Talents and Hobbies on a Wednesday and fitness on a Monday. Fife continue to provide extensive and interesting updates to their followers on Facebook. Ayrshire received Wellbeing Fund STV Appeal to distribute to families of children who attend their activities. 15 grants were provided to families in the most need. If branches would like any of their activities highlighted here please let us know.
- Further to our last communication on the Independent Living Fund (ILF) for any specific questions about the fund or any individual applications please contact the ILF by email enquiries@ILF.scot or phone 0300 200 2022. At the moment, their office opening hours are 9am – 2pm. The ILF are committed to be flexible in their policy framework during these challenging times.
- SCVO Wellbeing Fund: The wellbeing fund is focused on providing support to organisations that can provide support to people who are most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. The fund will open on May 7 for expressions of interest.
- Boccia Lockdown League: Although we are currently in lockdown there are still ways of playing and competing against others in the wonderful sport of Boccia. This is week 4 out of 6 of the fun online competition. There is still to sign-up through the link at the start.
- SDS are running a daily programme for the Young Start team. There is a quiz for the Young Person’s Sport Panel and Young Start programme that runs every two weeks (the next edition is on 14 May at 6pm). Anyone in our branches is welcome to join in. You will need Zoom and the Kahoot app. Please contact Jen Barsby should anyone wish to participate. The feedback from the participants has been very positive, citing the opportunity to interact socially with their peers and see familiar faces and have some fun was of the most value.
- A variety of FREE CPD Training is signposted here: https://www.myworldofwork.co.uk/learn-and-train/find-free-online-courses
- Free Creative Writing Course: https://writershq.co.uk/seven-ideas-in-seven-days-creative-writing-course-free/
- SDS will be posting on its website activity cards to have some fun and keep on moving during lockdown. SDS will be posting these cards as of Monday. Look out for them, get going and enjoy!
Please do get in touch if SDS can be of any assistance in any way.
Please keep safe and well and we looking forward to seeing you soon.
Thanks
Jen and Mark