Hello Everyone

My name is Christine Jones and on 14th April 2008 I became the new Network Administrator.  My predecessor Niki MacKay is now the proud mother of a beautiful baby girl named Lily and I am sure that everyone wishes her all the very best for the future.

I have now been in post for four whole weeks, doesn't time fly when you're having fun, and it has been fun.  Mary Pattinson, Sustainable Development Officer at SCVS has kindly taken me to forum meetings and introduced me to the various areas of Sunderland.  Everyone has been very friendly and I look forward to working with as many as you as possible in the future.

NEWSLETTERS

Thank you to all those who have sent in their news letters.  click on the links below to find out what is happening in the Sunderland area.

Coalfield Forum http://www.coalfieldforum.org/may2008.htm

South Forum http://www.southforum.org.uk/newsletter160508.html

Delivering Race Equality in Sunderland - 1st newsletter

http://www.sunderland.nhs.uk/tpct/working_with/race-equality-newsletter_may08.asp

I have come into post at a time when there is concern being voiced about the future of Community Networks.

Andy Ricketts, Third Sector Online, 9 May 2008 wrote:

"Forty per cent of community empowerment networks will lose either all or some of their local authority funding over the next year"

If you wish to read more news on the voluntary and community sector why not visit: http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/

COMPETITION

£10,000 prize on offer to Social Enterprises

Social enterprises across the UK have been offered the chance to win over  £10,000 by the Social Enterprise Coalition. The launch of the 2008 Enterprising Solutions Awards, held at the Royal Bank of Scotland offices earlier this week, marked the start of the application period which will continue until 1 July 2008.

To find out more and download application form go to: http://www.enterprisingsolutions.org/

TPCT SURVEY

Questionnaire on Dental Services in Sunderland

TRAINING

The Improvement Partnership for North East Local Government is organising an event on 17 and 18 June 2008 about Partnership working in the North East.

This unique event offers a chance to 'drop in' and experience a range of informative, interactive exhibitions and bespoke workshops and seminars all under one roof. 

Click this link to find out more. http://www.excellentpartnerships.org.uk/

Bridging the Gap through Technology

Unemployed?  Over 50? Want to try something really different? Want to get to grips with computers? Keen to meet new people?  Then try this FREE course. 

Wednesday 18th June

Houghton Racecourse Community Access Point

1pm - 3pm

Contact Paul Harrison at Education Business Connections, (0191) 516 6411   Mobile: 07812 974 957 

Email: info@ebcltd.org.uk   or   Log on to : www.ebcltd.org.uk

Click the link for the latest SCVS training programme  http://www.sunderlandcvs.co.uk/training/Training.html

‘Bunny Hill and Learning Communities’ adult learning programme, courses are offered at Bunny Hill and outreach venues across the city Click here to view the brochure

Understanding and Supporting People who Self-Harm one day workshop 9th September

Click here for booking form                  For more information click here

Please circulate this newsletter, if you wish to unsubscribe email:

christine.jones @sunderlandcommunitynetwork.org.uk