In case you missed them…
These may have been mentioned before, either here or in the Community Southwark funding bulletins, but just in case…
Trust for London grant schemes–see https://www.trustforlondon.org.uk
Kindlink channels surplus goods and furniture from major firms to charities: https://www.kindlink.com
Walcot Foundation is a long-standing Lambeth-based grant funder: http://www.walcotfoundation.org.uk

Discounts on Software for Charities
Tekgia can provide software for charities at discounted prices. If you are using old or hand-me-down computers, it’s worth knowing that they can supply earlier versions of mainstream Microsoft programs to suit earlier operating systems like Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7 or 8. More details on their website at www.tekgia.com

Metropolitan Public Gardens Association
The MPGA can provide modest grants for planting projects in public spaces and school grounds. Full details of current criteria and deadlines are on their website at http://www.mpga.org.uk/grants.php

Another FSI Training Event
A further batch of training courses for charities are being run by theFoundation for Social Improvementon Tuesday 15 to Thursday 17 May, at Amnesty International UK, New Inn Yard EC2.  Costs £7.50 to £15 per session, further details on their website atwww.thefsi.org

Locality
The Neighbourhood Forum is affiliated to Locality, a national network of community centres and community-led organisations. We will share information from them on funding schemes and good practice as opportunities arise. 

Small Business or Social Enterprise?
Support – and even funding – may still be available, even if your focus is earning a living rather than as a charitable project: The Carbon Trust provides advice to businesses and organisations on energy saving and efficiency generally.  There are frequent conferences, exhibitions and webinars for specific industries or topics, publicised through an e-mail bulletin.  Especially check out their Green Business Fund. See https://www.carbontrust.com or http://smenetwork.carbontrust.com

Federation of Small Businesses publishes a regular e-mail bulletin, First Voice, to keep members informed of changing legislation and emerging business issues. See www.fsb.org.uk
The Business Show will be at Excel in Docklands on 16 & 17 May, with lots of short talks and seminars on aspects of starting and running a business. For information and tickets see www.greatbritishbusinessshow.co.uk 

Other Events & News

My Health Story
Do you – or a family member – live with multiple chronic conditions such as diabetes, rheumatism or depression? Do you live in Lambeth or Southwark? This project is looking for people to take part in an enjoyable creative project to share your story and learn new skills. No experience is necessary and there are no age or mobility barriers.  You can take part if you have 3 or more long-term health conditions. You will be invited to join a free workshop with other local people, or work singly with professional help, to create your own digital story about your experiences – a mix of photography, video and audio. The project will inform the research of local health foundation, Guys and St.Thomas Charity, to improve the lives of people with multiple health conditions.
For more information, contact Amenah Enayat at Rosa Productions, tel.07 946 424 007, ameneh@rosaproductions.co.uk 

New Town Hall Project update
The Town Hall itself is now back in operation (though somebody forgot to provide a post room for distributing the mail!).  The builders have handed over the new Civic Centre on Brixton Hill and staff have been moving in, though it’s not yet open to the public. The Press – now the staff cycle store on Buckner Road, at the back of Iver House – is also complete. The main block of Iver House has been converted to flats, which are already being marketed.  Work continues on the 14-storey flats which replaced Hambrook House.  Olive Morris House will be replaced in turn once the Civic Centre is fully functional.  More at www.yournewtownhall.org 

Underground Utilities – Electric Brixton
As part of modernising the National Grid, a deep tunnel is to be excavated between Wimbledon and New Cross, to carry high-voltage electricity cables.  As with the current work on the Thames Tideway sewer tunnel, it will need shafts to be sunk at intervals along the route to provide access and remove spoil. It’s proposed to sink one shaft at the corner of Acre Lane and King’s Avenue, where the site is vacant after another planning application was refused. Proposals will be displayed at Clapham Library, Mary Seacole Centre, 91 Clapham High Street SW4 on Tuesday 17 and Wednesday 18 April, between 2 pm and 8 pm each day.  Enquiries to 0800 783 2855 or nationalgrid@londonpowertunnels.co.uk

Grove Adventure Playground
Volunteers are seeking more help to get the playground re-opened this spring. There’s a DIY Day on Saturday 14 April, from 10 am to 4 pm – Lunch and refreshments provided. It’s in Gordon Grove, behind the Marcus Lipton Youth Club.  Enquiries/ offers togrovevolunteers@gmail.com

Next Generation Cultural Project
As a runner-up prize in the recent contest for London Borough of Culture, Lambeth was awarded £200,000 by the Mayor for its Next Generation Project, which will work with key cultural institutions in the borough to provide skills and job opportunities for young people in the arts and creative fields.  Key contacts in Lambeth are Matthew Blades (Business & Investment)mblades@lambeth.gov.uk and Dawn Bunce (Arts officer) dbunce@lambeth.gov.uk  

Brixton Design Trail launched
BDT18 has been launched with a callout for local creatives and businesses to join in. It aims to showcase the best creative work south of the river as part of the London Design Festival, between 15 and 23 September. Once again, it aims to show the unique culture of Brixton to a wide audience, bringing creativity to the streets for everyone in the community. This year’s theme is We Belong.  To find out more or get involved, visit http://brixtondesigntrail.com

Contact us
If you would like something from your group included in next month’s e-bulletin, please send the information to apiperbrix@aol.combefore the end of April.
Remember, if you want to update your contact details, add a colleague – or just stop receiving this stuff – please let us know