News and inspiration 

August 2023
Happy Summer, we are just sharing a couple of bits of news from across KeyRing. You'll find: 
  • Connecting Community and Services
  • Funding news
  • and of course news from our Members.
Do get in touch if you want to chat about anything to do with our projects or KeyRing 😉.
Closing the gap between services and community
In June we cohosted a webinar called “Closing the gap between services and community, how do we move from services that access the community to services that are a valued part of their community?”
It was attended by people from across the world and we heard from a variety of sectors. It’s obviously a topic that people are passionate about.

We’ve created an action network on the topic of connecting community and services. We’ll be sharing details about upcoming events, news and articles through this network. You can join us here.

Our next meet up in September (date tbc) will look at services in the Netherlands and how local government can support in connecting community and services.
Painting a brighter Social Care Future
We were recently invited to be part of creating a great future for people drawing on social care in Calderdale. We were with NDTi - National Development Team for Inclusion, Community Catalysts CIC, In Control Partnerships and Shared Lives Plus amongst others.
A rainbow
The team at Calderdale will use these findings to energise and focus serious coproduced change. This was just one of many conversations to come.

Connection and innovation were key themes as was the rainbow (the TLAP one and the retro TV show). If you don’t already know about the Think Local Act Personal (TLAP) Rainbow of Innovations, it’s a great place to learn about community centred approaches that are having a positive impact on people’s lives. And if you don’t know about the retro TV show, Google it. You’re in for a treat!
Boccia Funding
If you’ve never heard of Boccia, you’re missing a treat!

It is a paralympic sport where athletes throw, kick or use a ramp to propel a ball onto the court with the aim of getting closest to a 'jack' ball.
We’ve recently been awarded funding from Sport England for a new Boccia programme! 

KeyRing teams in Newcastle, Grimsby, Rotherham, Darlington and Bristol will receive funding to run 26 sessions of Boccia each. As well as organising their own games, the areas will be connected through a virtual league. 

The Sport England grant will cover venue hire, staff time, membership fees, equipment and kit. 

The application was inspired by the success of the Frome Boccia team, which has now been running for a year.
An illustration of a cup of tea
Memory Tea funding
In other funding news, we've just been given some funding by Search in Newcastle to run Memory Tea sessions.
If you don't already know about Memory Teas they are for anyone aged 50 or over. They offer an especially warm welcome to those living with memory problems and their carers.

We are just looking for the perfect venue but if you are particularly interested in this piece of news, drop us a message and we will keep you updated. 

Member News
We call the people we support Members. We are working on the next KeyRing Newspaper but you can find will find loads of Member related news on our website.
David's Exhibition
Warrington Member David Eastens is showing some of his paintings in an exhibition this month.

His work is on show at The Gateway in Warrington until the end of August.

You can also watch a short video of David talking about his work.
Richard's Poem
Richard in Sheffield wrote a poem after one of his local Hub sessions.
Not Behind The Door

By Richard Farmer

Before I was hidden, ashamed and afraid

NOT NOW

NOW I WILL

Think it, say it, change it…

I’m not behind the door anymore!

 

I’ve come from the shadows, I’m not shut away

I’m visible now, I’m here to stay

Here to be noticed, seen by you all

Present and proud, I’m standing tall

Look at me then, look at me now, powerful, strong, being me!

My voice is a weapon, a tool to make change

Finding my voice set me free

Look at us then, just look at us now

Family, a team on the move

Walking together, not standing still

FORWARD! We’ve got stuff to prove

 

Before I was hidden, ashamed and afraid

NOT NOW

Now. I will think it, say it, change it…

I’m not behind the door anymore!