The Aston Villa Foundation will be running a Third Sector Support Festival on Wednesday 26th August as part of the Club’s ‘Supporting Our Own’ initiative.

The online event aims to support local community and non-profit organisations affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.

The event, which will run all day, will feature various talks from experts on different topics so that charities and community groups can rebuild after the pandemic, including staff and volunteer management, risk assessments, funding, and media and communications.

Jennifer Tullett, Neighbourhood Engagement Officer for the Foundation, said: “The Aston Villa Foundation understands what a difference local grassroot groups can make in communities.

“The Supporting Our Own initiative was set up to help and recognise individuals and organisations operating in Birmingham, as well as the wider Aston Villa family.

“We have set up this event specifically to help charities and organisations feel confident to reopen safely, so they can continue or restart their work following the challenges presented over the last few months.

“We work with a variety of different third sector organisation across the city, and this is just one of the ways we want to offer support.”

The event will be run via video call and the talks are scheduled as follows:

9.30am-10.30am: Furloughed Staff and HR

With furlough being a new concept since COVID-19, many of us are not sure what steps to take. This session will discuss what to do after you have furloughed staff and things to consider before un-furloughing. What are the effects when staff return on a part-time basis? We will also discuss other HR queries. This will be delivered by Love Brum.

11am-12noon: Starting Up a Voluntary Group

Many people have been inspired to do more to help their community during the COVID-19 crisis. This may be by starting up a new group or bringing skills and enthusiasm to an existing group. Birmingham Community Matters will be running an informal session covering things to consider when starting up a voluntary or community group. We will share information on working with other groups in the city, gathering and motivating volunteers and also identifying structures for small groups. There will be lots of opportunity to ask questions and learn from others.

12.30pm-1.30pm: Risk Assessments

The importance of a Risk Assessment has always been prominent, however since COVID-19 there are many more elements involved. This session with cover how to write a risk assessment and things to consider. This will include current COVID-19 guidelines. This will be delivered by Love Brum.

2pm-3pm: Large Grant Making and Bid Writing

When moving from grassroot grants to commissioning and larger grants it can be a minefield. Much more detail is required when covering aspects such as need, impact and planning. This will be delivered by Get Grants.

3.30pm-4.30pm: Social Media

In a world of instant communication and connection among many different sources, getting your message across has never been easier. This session will discuss which platforms will gain highest reach depending on target audience and different types including paid for and free. This will be delivered by our own Social Media expert.

To book a place on any of the workshops, please email Jen Tullett at jt82@avfc.co.uk.

Foundation event to provide local organisations with support during COVID-19