Charity and Voluntary Sector

CO: Just 7 weeks after becoming the first mutual to spin out of central Government, MyCSP Ltd has taken on 15 new contracts.  In future, MyCSP Ltd will tender for more business in the private & public sectors, including local authorities and even public sector organisations in the European Union.
Press release & links ~ Related PCS union PR
 
AUKAge UK has revealed the scale of the issue of falls, with over 220,000 people aged 60+ fracturing bones as the result of a fall. The figures, announced as part of Age UK’s Falls Awareness Week 2012 (18-22 June), show that more than 88,000 people fractured a hip, over 43,000 had fractures of the arm and nearly 17,000 fractured their pelvis.

These are significant injuries and the impact of a fall and the resulting injuries can be life-changing, leaving many feeling isolated, anxious and reluctant to leave home. Injuries from falls are one of the leading causes of death for over 75s, but falls aren’t an inevitable part of getting older - specific programmes for improving strength & balance can reduce the risk of falls by as much as 55% and weight-bearing exercise in particular is important in maintaining healthy bones.
Press release & links ~ DH:  Balancing the cost of preventive action against the need for health costs to fall
 
AUK: 2 in 5 unpaid carers are sacrificing their own health, putting off medical treatment to care for an ill or disabled loved one, according to a new survey, published to mark the start of Carers Week

Carers Week Manager Helen Clarke says; “Carers are feeling the strain of a woefully under-funded system and still we’re seeing more cuts. Unpaid carers save the Government a fortune - £119bn a year, yet they’re let down in return. It is time for urgent action to tackle the crisis in social care”.
Press release & links
 
BIG: Enabling older people to remain in their own homes and to have personal support through cancer treatment are amongst 37 initiatives to benefit from the £6m Big Lottery Fund’s Silver Dreams programme, in association with the Daily Mail.
Press release & links ~ Silver Dreams programme
 
HMRCCharities will be able to claim top-up payments on up to £5,000 of small donations without needing Gift Aid declarations, under changes in a Bill before Parliament last week.  The Small Charitable Donations Bill aims to enable charities & community amateur sports clubs (CASCs) to claim a Gift Aid-style payment on small donations where it is difficult to get a Gift Aid declaration.  
 
It will be known as the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) and Charities & CASCs will be able to claim a top-up payment on small donations of up to £20. Qualifying charities & CASCs will be able to claim up to £1,250 in repayment.
Press release & links
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