www.kids.talk2croydon.co.uk

Kids get to have their say online! The new webtool developed from the new existing talk2croydon main site, enables children and young people a new nad exciting way to voice their opinions nad discuss issues that matter to them most. The new site is bold, bright and colourful and has already got some really interesting discussions going on... take a look and join in the debate!

To find out more about www.kids.talk2croydon.co.uk and other details about the projects work, please call

Karen Michalias, Croydon Xpress Project Coordinator on 020 8653 0386 or email on: karen.michalias@cvalive.org.uk

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'A Voice for My Community'

Community Representatives are vital to the development of community life in Croydon. Voice aims to support Community Representatives to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to be effective in their role.

Visit; http://www.talk2croydon.co.uk/initiatives/voice-my-community to find out about the latest free training for people who speak up for their community. As part of this support and development programme, there is a guidance pack for community representatives, a bursary for out of pocket expenses and a new shadowing scheme in the borough. A Voice for My Community is responsive to the diversity of Croydon communities and respectful to individual support needs. The programme encourages networking and learning about good practice.

Contact Sarah at sarah.taylor@cvalive.org.uk or 020 8683 5917 for any enquires connected to 'A Voice for My Community'.

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Croydon Health Champions

If you live in the northwest or east of Croydon you can expect to live 5 to 6 years less than those in the south of the borough, according to The Department of Health.

Why? What factors contribute to this unfair divide? Why do some communities respond to public health messages whilst others don't? What do we need to do to provide a fairer system? How can we MIND THE GAPS and support people whose circumstances make it harder for them to choose healthier lifestyles?

Croydon Voluntary Action is looking to recruit HEALTH CHAMPIONS on an eleven day Open College Network accredited Community Development course.

Next free course is to start Wednesday 15th October 2008. All out of pocket expenses paid e.g. child care & travel costs. For more information contact Sarah Taylor: 020 8683 5917, Sarah.Taylor@cvalive.org.uk.

Contact Sarah at sarah.taylor@cvalive.org.uk or 020 8683 5917 for any enquires connected to 'Health Champions '.

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Community Enterprise Support Service

CVA is proud to announce the arrival of its NEW Community Enterprise Support Service. Aimed particularly at voluntary and community organisations wishing to explore opportunities for trading, setting up a social enterprise or boosting income generation. Participants will hear from existing social enterprises and explore their own organisation’s potential for using social enterprise. This project is supported and funded by Croydon Enterprise.

• Information and factsheets on social enterprises
• Face to face support to start a social enterprise including:
  • Advice on choosing an appropriate legal structure
  • Business planning
  • Cash flow and financial management
  • Funding and financing advice
  • Management structures and issues
  • Project development and co-ordination
  • Ongoing social enterprise support
• Training sessions and programmes
• Advice and guidance on applying to the Community Enterprise Fund
• Exploring procurement opportunities
• Sources of further information
• Signposting for further support