The Panel on the Independence of the Voluntary Sector is inviting views and evidence on a consultation report published on 14 July.  The panel has been established by the Baring Foundation to increase understanding and awareness of the importance of independence, open up a wider debate and generate positive changes.

To read the consultation document visit the Independence Panel website .   The deadline for responses is 21 September 2011. The evidence gathered will feed into a report which will be published later this year.  

The Volunteer Centre Derby based at Community Action has been awarded the London 2012 Olympics Inspire mark for the Volunteering in Derby and Derbyshire Facebook fan page!  The new Facebook fan page reflects the ethos and values of the Olympics in that anyone can volunteer regardless of their background.  Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, set and achieve challenging goals and inspire others to get involved.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: "The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Volunteering in Derby and Derbyshire Facebook fan page enable people in Derby and Derbyshire to make positive life changes."

The new Facebook fan page gives regular updates about a wide range of volunteering opportunities in and around Derby, from short-term sporting and cultural events through to regular ongoing roles.  Click here to visit the Facebook fan page . 

Family Action, in partnership with SPOLU, are holding a national Play Day event on 3 August in Normanton Park, Warwick Avenue from 11:00 am to to 6:00 pm.

There will be lots of free activities including:

Donkey rides; henna; body art; inflatables; face painting; and sporting activities. Bring the whole family and try something new!

For more information call Hazel Simpson 07944 605565

Do you have any services or resources that you would like to share with other voluntary and community groups? Spare furniture or equipment? Training or advice?  Or is there something you need? Or would like to swap?

We have created a Community Classifieds section on our website as one-stop shop to offer and request support and services, resources and equipment.

As the community classifieds section grows we will have sections for 'we want', 'we've got' and 'let's swap'. So, if you have anything you would like to share, swap or give away email Jayne Williams or call 01332 227749. 

We look forward to matching up groups and services! 

Does your community group help, or want to help, people access the internet and improve their ICT skills? If so you could be eligible to receive 12 months FREE broadband from BT.

Silver surfers, after school and youth clubs, even 'IT for the Terrified' groups have benefitted from an award in the past and are now encouraging even more people to get online.

Applying for an award is easy. Simply visit the BT website  to access the online application form and read the full rules and guidance notes. The closing date for applications is Thursday 15 September at 5:30 pm.

BT Community Connections supports a diverse range of community and charitable groups across the UK and is part of BT's Get IT Together campaign.  For more information email BT or call 0845 257 6792.

Derbyshire Healthcare, in conjunction with Rethink, Enjoying Derby and Time to Change will be hosting the third Human Library Event.  This event coincides with World Mental Health Day on 10 October 2011.  

People will be able to come along to the Human Library and 'take out' a living book to interact with either individually, or as part of a group.

In conjunction with this event, Changing Minds will be launching a book of the same name, which will contain positive stories and images illustrating recovery from mental health problems.  John Tamms, a local, but nationally respected folk musician, composer and actor, will be launching the book at the event.

There will be a market place of stalls from a number of organisations as well as interactive stalls such as jewellery making and Indian head massage.  If you would like to have a stall at this event to promote your organisation, host an interactive stall, or offer to be a 'Living Book' email Shirley Houston or call 01332 623700.   

Derby City Council has an opportunity to tender for Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative (NNI) provision at the 3 NNI's based at:

First Steps at Osmaston Allenton Children's Centre;

Homelands at Austin Sunnyhill Children's Centre; and

The Big Building Nursery at Rosehill Children's Centre.

If you are interested in bidding you will need to register your interest formally through the electronic tendering system by 15 August 2011.  To do this go to the Source Derbyshire website  where you will find instuctions on applying.

Documents will be available to view and download until 12 August.  The closing date for submissions is 12:00 pm on 2 September 2011.

For more information email DCC.

The government's £15m community organisers programme will train 5,000 people to work in communities to create local networks and run projects to help local people. Of these, 500 will be paid 'senior' organisers and the rest will be volunteers.

Locality, the umbrella charity running the community organisers programme, has announced it aims to recruit up to 200 organisations to act as 'hosts' for trainee community organisers by September 2014.

Host organisations will recruit between two and five senior community organisers from their local communities and will be responsible for providing office space and support. Each host organisation will be paid up to £3,000 to cover expenses.

For more information on how to become a host organiser visit the Locality website .   

Signs4Life is offering an introductory workshop in deaf awareness and sign language to help staff to communicate with their deaf and hard of hearing colleagues, service users and clients.  The workshop takes place on Thursday 15 September at Derby Central Library, The Wardwick, Derby from 9:30 am to12:30 pm.  This local initiative is to help identify barriers that deaf people face and explore their culture and community but also to encourage inclusion of all people with sensory, physical or learning disabilities in Derby.  Attendance is strictly by booking only as places are limited.

The cost of the workshop is £50 per person.  For more information or to book a place email Signs4Life.  

The Prince's Trust in partnership with Derby County in the Community are now recruiting for the 'Get Started with Football' programme.  This free 5 day programme is based at Pride Park for people aged 16 to 25 and begins this August.

The programme offers:

Coaching qualifications; first aid training; one-to-one support and advice; lunch at Subway; travel expenses; possible financial award to move into further training.

It's a great way to meet new people, boost confidence and improve motivation to plan for the future! The programme is part of angreement with Job Centre Plus so those claiming JSA are welcome to apply.

For more information call Andy on 07717 487949.