Latest News from PKAVS

Voluntary & Community Sector Conference 2010

"The Perth & Kinross Voluntary Sector Conference has a reputation as one of the best events in the Scottish voluntary sector calendar" says keynote speaker at this Friday's annual Conference, Norman McAskill, Head of Rural Policy at SCVO. PKAVS Volunteer Centre and CVS teams have once again joined forces to host the ninth Voluntary & Community Sector Conference for Perth & Kinross in Crieff Hydro Hotel. Delegates, exhibitors and presenters from a wide range of local charities will come together to network, increase their knowledge of issues affecting the sector, and share ideas and best practice. PKAVS is delighted to be joined by Annabel Goldie, Leader of the Scottish Conservatives, to open the conference. 

Perth's Salutation Hotel tops £3,500 for PKAVS

Staff and customers at The Salutation Hotel in Perth successfully raised £1,100 for PKAVS through their 2009/10 Christmas and Valentine's Party Nights. A series of special raffles saw hundreds of tickets sold in support of PKAVS, bringing the local hotel's fundraising total for PKAVS to an impressive £3,500 since 2007.

Carers knowing their Rights

In conjunction with National Carers Rights Day on Friday 4 December, The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre (Perth & Kinross) offered carers the opportunity to raise issues of concern with local MPs, Pete Wishart and Gordon Banks and local councillor Peter Barrett. The event was one of nearly 1,500 taking place across the UK to raise awareness of carers' rights and entitlements amongst professionals and policy makers. 

Laing O'Rourke builds support for charity

Following 12 months of fundraising, construction firm Laing O'Rourke has raised over £1,000 for PKAVS. The proactive team, based at Loch Leven Community Campus in Kinross, called upon sub-contractors to assist with a series of charity raffles offering star prizes. The fundraisers presented a cheque for £1,049 to PKAVS to tie in with "The Big Weekend" in November - three days of community celebrations marking the opening of the new Campus.

Big Lottery Fund supports local Minority Ethnic Communities

PKAVS was delighted to be awarded £259,569 from the Big Lottery Fund to develop a new project that will support Minority Ethnic Communities in establishing, developing or adapting their lives in Perth & Kinross. The Minority Ethnic Access Development (MEAD) Project is a joint initiative between Perth & Kinross Council, PKAVS and the Community Health Partnership in collaboration with local Minority Ethnic communities and MECOPP (the National Development Programme funded by the Scottish Government Equalities Unit). The project aims to give the expanding migrant population support to play a full and active role in their community while helping service providers to respond more effectively to their needs. Funding will support the project over 3.5years and January 2010 will see the project go live from a new office base in Perth.  

Annual Meeting between Politicians and Voluntary Organisations

CVS Perth & Kinross hosted the annual meeting between Perth & Kinross Voluntary Sector and Politicians on Friday 4 September, creating an opportunity for over 50 voluntary sector delegates to take part in an open discussion about issues of concern. The 'question and answer' panel session was preceded by the premier of two short films created by young volunteers at Strathmore Centre for Youth Dialogue (SCYD) which highlighted the diversity of voluntary organisations within Perth & Kinross. Represented on the panel of politicians were John Swinney MSP, Pete Wishart MP, Councillor Ian Miller and Councillor Peter Barrett. 

Day Club Volunteers recognised at Appreciation Dinner

Nearly 50 staff and volunteers from The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre enjoyed an appreciation dinner at the Isle of Skye Hotel on 3 September. The event was in recognition of the hard work and commitment of the Carers Centre's many volunteers who take on vital roles helping in four day centres across Perth & Kinross. Volunteers received certificates marking various lengths of service to their volunteering roles.

Crowds flock to the Walled Garden Open Day

The Walled Garden's annual Open Day in August pulled in record crowds as the sunshine set the mood for a day of fun and fundraising. This year's event, billed as 'an extraordinary open day by extraordinary people' showcased the project's vital work supporting adults with mental ill health. A youth jazz duo and belly-dancing group provided live entertainment, while staff and workers from the garden hosted stalls and fundraising activities. The day raised over £2,300 through sales of refreshments, garden produce and artwork.

Volunteers hit the street at Perth's most successful Volunteer Fair

Members of the public took to the streets of Perth to find out about volunteering opportunities at the annual Volunteer Street Market. Twenty-five charities showcased their services and activities and included Cats Protection, the Samaritans, Guide Dogs for the Blind, MS Society and event organisers, the Volunteer Centre. The event was opened by The Provost at 10am with entertainment from Perth & District Pipe Band, and has been hailed by event organisers as one of the most successful volunteer street fairs to date. 

Photograph by Fraser Band www.fraserband.co.uk