Contact: Ron Coe, ext 7150

Presenter: Alan Edwards, ext 7158

1. Summary

1.1 Approval is sought for grants in excess of £5,000 to be made to voluntary organisations during 2002/03, as set out in Appendix 2 of the report..

2 Reason

2.1 To make contributions to the costs of services provided by voluntary organisations which are compatible with the objectives, priorities and policies of the Social Services Department.

3 Other options considered and rejected

3.1 Not applicable

4 Conflicts of Interest declared by the decision-maker or a Member or Officer consulted

4.1 Not applicable

5 Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee

5.1 Not applicable

6 Reason(s) for the matter being dealt with if urgent

6.1 Not applicable

Approved by: Date of decision:

Councillor Felicity Hindson

Section 100 D - Local Government Act 1972 - Background Documents

The following documents disclose facts or matters on which this report, or an important part of it, is based and has been relied upon to a material extent in the preparation of this report.

NB. Tthe list excludes:

1. Published works

2. Documents which disclose exempt or confidential information as defined in the Act

Applications for grants in 2002/03, submitted by individual voluntary organisations included in this report.

Contact: Ron Coe, Ext: 7150

Presenter: Alan Edwards, Ext: 7158

1. SUMMARY

1.1 This report sets out information about the processes relating to the consideration of applications for grants to voluntary organisations and seeks the approval to the allocation of grants in excess of £5,000.

2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

2.1 The County Council spends some £38.22M per annum with voluntary organisations in the Social Care sector. Of this, some £36.80M is used to purchase services under contract arrangements, £0.21M relates to Specific Grants for Mental Health, Substance Misuse and HIV/AIDS, which are funded in part by Central Government, £0.38M supports sheltered employment schemes and £0.83M is used as grant aid to voluntary organisations.

2.2 A contracted or purchased service usually results from the initiative of the Social Services Department; relates to a service which would otherwise be provided directly by the Department; represents the full cost of the service and is paid at a tendered price.

2.3 A grant usually results from the initiative of a voluntary organisation, is made in support of a service which is complementary to the work of the Social Services Department; is a contribution towards the cost of the service rather than the full cost; is subject to the financial need of the organisation rather than at a pre-agreed price; is subject to annual review and approval and is paid subject to the availability of financial resources and the policy on awarding grants.

2.4 This report is concerned with grants to voluntary organisations and not with contracted services or Specific Grants.

2.5 During recent years there has been a steady and continuing movement away from contributing towards the cost of services by way of grants, towards the purchase of specific services. This ensures that services are more directly targeted at both the needs of the service users and the approved policies and commissioning priorities of Social Services.

3. ALLOCATION OF GRANTS FOR 2002/03

3.1 The indicative budget for grants to voluntary organisations in 2002/03, excluding all specific grants funded by Central Government and deficit funding payments, amounts to £0.83M.

3.2 At this stage, it is not possible accurately to predict the expenditure outcome but it is anticipated that there will be little or no under spending

3.3 Approval of grants of £5,000 and less is delegated to designated officers so that decisions may readily reflect local needs. It is anticipated that smaller grants to voluntary organisations, totalling some £230,000, will be approved by officers in 2002/03. Grants in excess of £5,000 must be approved by the Executive Member for Social Care.

3.4 A voluntary organisation may be considered for grant aid only if it meets the Social Services Department's eligibility criteria for grants. In general terms this means that the organisation must be undertaking work which is compatible with the Department's objectives, priorities and policies and must agree to give the Department independently audited or examined statements of accounts. The group should also have investigated and, where possible, secured other sources of funding. Grants may be given only to those organisations which cannot fund themselves in any other way. The full eligibility criteria for grants are given in Appendix 1.

3.5 Every organisation in receipt of recurring funding, together with any other groups requesting funding have been invited to complete application forms which were then considered by the appropriate Service Managers. The eligibility criteria for grants have been used when assessing applications and, as grants are subject to financial need, the latest annual accounts of each organisation have been scrutinised.

3.6 Appendix 2 lists, by care groups, proposals totalling £508,186 which are recommended for approval.

3.7 Appendix 3 provides background information on the organisations for which grants are recommended.

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. That the proposals for the support of voluntary organisations in 2002/03, which are outlined in Appendices 2 and 3, be approved.

Appendix 1

Executive Member - Social Care

26 March 2002

Grants to Voluntary Organisations, 2002/03

Eligibility Criteria for grants

Voluntary services will be considered eligible for grant aid from the Social Care budget

where the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. The service to be provided is within the statutory responsibilities of the Social Services Department.

2. The service to be provided complies with the objectives, priorities and policies of the Social Services Department.

3. All other likely sources of funding have been investigated and, where possible, secured.

4. The proposal is presented in the standardised form required by the Social Services Department.

5. The organisation has a clear management structure within its constitution and accountability built into its business plan.

6. The service to be provided will be subject to appropriate quality assurance and review procedures as agreed with the Social Services Department.

7. An annual independently audited or examined statement of accounts and, where required, a report on the use of funding during the previous financial year will be presented before payment is made.

8. Organisations will not normally be eligible for grants where they hold balances in excess of one year's running costs. Those organisations receiving recurring funding which hold in excess of three months' running costs may receive a reduced grant.

Appendix 2

Executive Member - Social Care

26 March 2002

Grants to Voluntary Organisations, 2002/03

Allocation of grants in excess of £5,000 to voluntary organisations in 2002/03

Appendix 3

Executive Member for Social Care

26 March 2002

Grants to Voluntary Organisations 2002/03

Summary of Services provided by Voluntary Organisations

Please note the paragraph numbers correspond to the numbering of proposed grants in Appendix 2 and the cash figures identify the amount of grant recommended for approval.

1. OLDER PEOPLE

1.1 Age Concern Basingstoke - £18,081

Age Concern Basingstoke promotes the welfare. Independence, quality of life, well being and care of older people in rural and urban areas. It provides preventative services such as social care, clubs and home visiting. It seeks to develop new services such as activity centres and to continue to open up new avenues for the contribution of older people to the community. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs and will provide for the continuation, expansion and development of the extensive range of core services provided by

the organisation which include advice, information, organised holidays, hospital transport and befriending.

1.2 Club Hampshire - £97,585

For many years the Hampshire Branch of British Red Cross has operated clubs and day centres which provide social activities for older and disabled people. The Social Services Department has supported the operation by way of grant towards the cost of transport to clubs, renting premises and a contribution towards salary costs of the Health and Social Care Manager and other administrative staff. Red Cross wish to divest themselves of the responsibility for the clubs and day centres to concentrate their efforts on their core business. Consequently, responsibility for operating the clubs and day centres will transfer to Club Hampshire, a new voluntary organisation, from 1 April 2002. This arrangement has been the subject of exhaustive discussion between Red Cross, Club Hampshire and officers of the Department The grant is currently the subject of a Grant Agreement between the Department and Red Cross. This agreement will be mutually terminated with effect from 31 March 2002 and its provisions will be transferred to the Club Hampshire with effect from 1 April 2002. The new agreement will be for one year in the first instance. Initially it is accepted that the service will be provided for fewer users but Club Hampshire will be expected to increase their provision to at least the current level. There will be a performance review after a period of six months, following which a Grant Agreement for the period beyond 31 March 2003 will be negotiated. This grant is important in the context of PAF indicator C.32, providing a service to some 900 individual people per week within that category.

1.3 Age Concern, The Linden Project - £7,354

The Linden Project organises, co-ordinates and enhances a range of services for older people in the Romsey area. The grant is a contribution towards the salary costs of the administrator and is needed to enable the project to continue to operate.

1.4 Age Concern Hayling Island - Day Centre for Older People - £6,150

Age Concern Hayling Island promotes the welfare of older people on the Island with emphasis on enabling them to retain independence for as long as possible. It has its own day centre and transport and this grant assists with funding one day per week for 12 to 15 users. The resources for older people on Hayling Island are very limited and the existence of this centre avoids the necessity of transporting too many people away from the Island for day care.

1.5 Age Concern Petersfield and District - Laundry Service - £5,638

Age Concern Petersfield and District promotes and encourages the welfare of older people in the area of East Hampshire around Petersfield. It works in co-operation with a network of local Age Concern groups and numerous voluntary and statutory organisations to provide a range of services and facilities for older people. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of a weekly laundry service for approximately 50 older people, which has been operating for over 10 years. The service is also supported by a grant from the Health Authority. This group of people qualify for inclusion within PAF indicator C.32

1.6 Age Concern Winchester - Co-ordinator - £10,500

Age Concern Winchester aims to promote the welfare of older people and to improve the quality of their lives by offering services that will give practical help, advice and regular care and mental stimulation. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of running 4 lunch clubs, chiropody service, help in the home scheme, visiting service, social events, take a break scheme, friends of sheltered accommodation and supporting the housebound library service.

1.7 Relatives and Residents Association

The Relatives and Residents Association is a nationwide organisation with headquarters in London. The Association aims to provide support, information and advice to older people and their relatives who use, or who may use, long term care. It seeks to maintain or improve the quality of life for people considering or receiving care; to build and improve relationships between care management staff, service users, relatives and friends and to encourage the development of groups of users, relatives and friends within homes and local areas. It endeavours to influence central and local government by lobbying and campaigning in the interests of older people and by providing information and advice to these and other agencies on the concerns and wants of service users. The Association also aims to develop, promote and deliver training and training materials to further its objectives. In Hampshire the Association employs a project worker who supports five locality groups, provides advice sessions in association with other organisations and disseminates advice and information through displays and talks. She co-ordinates the production of a quarterly newsletter which has a circulation of 600 and assists residential establishments in giving residents and relatives a voice. The proposed grant will be a contribution towards the cost of the service in Hampshire.

2. PHYSICAL DISABILITY

2.1 Breakthrough Deaf/Hearing Integration - £8,405

Breakthrough is a national charity which aims to integrate deaf and hearing people through innovative programmes of contact, information, training and social activities. The grant is a contribution towards the costs of operating two static centres which provide an information and equipment advisory service. A Mobile Advisory Service operates throughout the County and is provided under contract.

2.2 Hampshire Centre for Independent Living - £7,175

HCIL provides independent living advice, information, training and support, based on the actual experience of disabled people, to individuals and other interested parties, thereby enabling disabled people to exercise choice and control in their everyday lives. The grant is a contribution towards the costs of the service.

2.3 Havant and District Socially Independent Disabled - (HADSID) - £5,740

HADSID advances the education and training of disabled people and operates a work centre for the teaching of art and craft in a social environment. Approximately 30 people benefit from the workshop sessions which are available on three days each week. The grant is a contribution towards the rent of the workshop and for transporting clients who are unable to make their own arrangements.

2.4 Totton and District Disability Activities Club (TADDAC) - £6,500

TADDAC gives disabled people in the Totton and Waterside areas, opportunities for recreation, work activities, training and therapeutic activities and socialisation with other disabled people and their families/carers. The organisation provides for families and carers, opportunities for respite and involvement with welfare and social activities. It fosters co-operation with the Health and Social Services for the benefit of its users. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs.

3. LEARNING DISABILITIES

3.1 Eastleigh Advocacy Project - £19,632

This project is operated by and for people with learning disabilities and aims to develop, support and promote self-advocacy groups. It promotes the active citizenship of people with learning disabilities in their local community, enables active participation in planning and consultation processes and supports members in campaigning for the services they want. The organisation offers support training and practical experience to people with learning disabilities. It trains volunteers and supports the development and training for the Young People First group. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the project.

4. MENTAL HEALTH

4.1 Basingstoke Rape Crisis - £27,900

Basingstoke Rape Crisis provides information, support and counselling to people aged 16 and over who have suffered sexual violence. The organisation trains counsellors and volunteers who give the support and promotes education and research in the subject of rape and its effects on the victim. The grant represents a contribution towards the cost of maintaining and developing this service.

4.2 Basingstoke Churches Housing Trust - Night Shelter at May Place - £31,670

This Housing Trust provides board and accommodation for homeless people in Basingstoke. Around 90 residents are cared for each year. The Trust supports residents who are vulnerable or who present difficulties such as drugs or alcohol misuse or who have learning disabilities, through counselling and resettlement programmes. The Trust aims to encourage the service users to take responsibility for themselves and to re-introduce them into society. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs of maintaining the service.

4.3 Two Saints Housing Association, Andover Night Shelter - £12,000

A night shelter has been running in Andover for ten years. An average of ten people use the shelter each night during the winter months. It operates in various church halls and one property leased throughout the year. There are plans for a permanent hostel. Some 30% of the users are referred by the Community Mental Health Team. The grant will be a contribution to the costs of providing a night shelter in Andover throughout the winter months, serving the needs of vulnerable members of the local community who would otherwise have been sleeping rough in the town and surrounding area. The Association has applied for Transitional Housing Benefit and if this is approved, the grant from Social Services will not be necessary

4.4 The Trinity Centre - £14,300

The Trinity Centre provides a day centre offering food, shelter, welfare and recreational facilities for people who are homeless, have mental health problem and who misuse substances. Between 1000 and 1200 per year use the resource which provides an acupuncture service and health care. There is a furniture project which has offered a Kudos placement. There is also a laundry and bathing facilities.

4.5 Hallelujah Community - £7,175

The Hallelujah Community provides accommodation and care for people needing to make new starts in life. This is achieved through programmes of animal care, growing crops for food, gardening, adult literacy, social integration and general self-improving techniques. The community's aim is to provide new starts for individuals where normal home, work and social skills have broken down through imprisonment, ill health or homelessness. A number of users would require the intervention of Social Services were it not for this service. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs.

5. CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

5.1 RELATE Hampshire Co-ordinating Committee - £8,282

Relate works to enhance the quality of life for couples and, thereby, parental and family relationships. It aims to help avoid unnecessary marriage and relationship breakdown, to limit the damage which commonly accompanies poor relationships, separation and divorce, and to increase the prospect of subsequent relationships succeeding. The grant is a contribution towards the costs of providing and developing services specifically for children and young people including the RELATEEN service.

5.2 Winchester Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility, Social and Community Work Team - £20,000

The Winchester Diocesan Social and Community Work Team works in association with the Church to provide resources and support to disadvantaged people throughout the Diocese, but mainly in the Basingstoke Deanery area. The team supports some 1600 people, primarily lone parent families. Areas of work include neighbourhood support groups, counselling, holidays, furniture recycling, trips and events. Local projects are run under the Welcare banner. The grant is a contribution towards the cost of employing 7 paid staff and 90 volunteers.

5.3 Winchester and District Playschemes (SNAPS) - school holiday activities for children and young people with special needs - £10,712

SNAPS' aim is to provide good quality, age appropriate activities for children and young people with special needs during school holidays and during term time, out of school hours. The organisation provides stimulating and enjoyable activities for the users and respite for their parents/carers. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs of schemes for children with severe disabilities, teenage activity days, integrated schemes for children to attend local playschemes (by providing volunteers, staff, training and support for individual users), youth club activities and a 16+ group for those who have left full time education.

5.4 Hampshire Family Mediation Service - £7,000

The Family Mediation Service enables individuals involved in family disputes to attend a mediation meeting at a locally based centre. The purpose is to improve communications and reduce the harmful effects of conflict, enhance family relationships and resolve difficulties with a view to reaching amicable agreements. The organisation mediates in a wide range of issues but, particularly where parents are involved in separation divorce, with a focus on the welfare of children. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the organisation.

6 OTHER SERVICES

6.1 Hampshire Voluntary Care Groups Advisory Service - £45,036

The Hampshire Voluntary Care Groups Advisory Service works to support in excess of 100 groups in Hampshire, the majority of which are based in rural areas. The groups provide volunteers for a range of tasks including drivers for hospital and general practitioner appointments, befriending, respite for carers, shopping, collecting prescriptions, handyman tasks, etc. The grant is a contribution to the costs of employing three part-time workers, cash grants and training for the Care Groups who provide services. The part-time workers provide training, develop new groups and services, arrange insurance cover for volunteers, etc. The grant is the Department's contribution to a joint grant agreement involving the County Council, Portsmouth and South East Hampshire Health Authority and North and Mid Hampshire Health Authority, as funding agencies. Southampton and South West Hampshire Health Authority also contribute to the service.

6.2 Community Action in Hampshire - Community Transport Organiser - £17,510

The grant is a contribution towards the cost of employing a transport co-ordinator in the East Hampshire District and volunteer expenses. The scheme provides a link between the voluntary and statutory groups, in order to make efficient use of volunteers. All users of the service have special needs and 30% of users are referred by Social Services. The area in East Hampshire is very rural, and hence specialist transport is needed for older and disabled people.

6.3 Basingstoke and District Community Transport - Co-ordinator - £27,400

This scheme provides co-ordination of a fleet of 11 vehicles belonging to three different organisations and a comprehensive transport service for organisations catering for disabled and older people and other voluntary organisations in the Basingstoke Area. The grant is a contribution towards the salary of the co-ordinator and other running costs of the service.

6.4 Basingstoke Voluntary Services - Volunteer Bureau - £19,100

The Bureau aims to provide a focus for local volunteering. It seeks to promote the concept of volunteering, recruit and train volunteers and offers support and advice to volunteers. It also acts as a "clearing house" to bring together those agencies requiring the services of volunteers and people who wish to undertake voluntary work. The grant is a contribution towards the costs of running the service.

6.5 Hart Voluntary Action - Volunteer Bureau - £8,250

Hart Voluntary Action supports the voluntary sector by offering advice, training and information and acts as an intermediary between statutory bodies and voluntary organisations. The Bureau recruits and trains volunteers and finds suitable placements for them. It strives to promote good practice within organisations which involve volunteers. The Bureau works with the Social Services Department locally on strategic developments in the Hart area. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs. The Bureau is funded also by the Hart District Council.

6.6 East Hampshire Volunteer Bureau - £16,500

The Bureau promotes the co-ordination of volunteers and organisations in the East Hampshire Area in order to advance education, protect health, relieve poverty and sickness. It recruits, manages and organises the work of a large number of volunteers who are trained by the Bureau and who provide various services and support to vulnerable people of all ages. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs and will be used, together with a grant from the East Hampshire District Council to maintain the present service level.

6.7 Havant Council of Community Service - Volunteer Bureau - £9,823

The Havant Volunteer Bureau provides a clearing house for prospective volunteers and organisations wishing to offer voluntary work. It actively recruits volunteers and raises the level of public awareness to the need for and value of voluntary work. HVB interviews and screens prospective volunteers for the Social Services Voluntary Car Scheme. The grant is a contribution towards the salary of the Bureau Organiser and other running costs of the Bureau.

6.8 Test Valley Community Services - £5,778

The aim of this organisation is to encourage community involvement by developing and supporting voluntary activity and by working with any person or group to promote equality in all aspects of life. It supports a number of groups and activities, produces a newsletter, gives direct help to groups in finding funds and volunteers and promotes good practice. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs.

6.9 Andover Advocacy Alliance - £8,490

The Andover Advocacy Alliance provides an independent advocacy service to vulnerable people in the community. Locally trained volunteers support those who may be elderly, having learning disabilities or mental health problems. Advocacy allows users to express their views or make informed decisions on a wide variety of issues. The grant is a contribution towards the running costs of the Alliance.