Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 25 May 2023
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards – Only Days left to Nominate!
Just a reminder that the Lancaster CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards take place in just under 2 weeks. The online nomination form and related guidance for the 2023 Volunteer Achievement Awards are available here.
The deadline for nominations is midnight on Sunday 28 May (only days left), and the awards will take place at the Midland Hotel on Wednesday 7 June from 5pm. Bookings will open soon, and you will find a link in next week’s Bulletin.
More information, nomination form and guidance on the LDCVS website.
Community Health Champions Fund Briefings
As announced in last week’s Bulletin, the Community Health Champions Fund is open for a further round. The deadline is midnight on Sunday 9 July. If you are thinking of applying and have questions, or just want to find out more about this fund, what it has achieved to date, and what goes into an effective application, we have two briefing sessions coming up.
Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer, will be available to discuss this fund and answer your questions:
- Online, on Tuesday 13 June 4pm – 5pm. Book here (via Trybooking)
- In person at The Centre @ St Tees Lancaster, on Thursday 15 June 1pm – 2pm. Book here (via Trybooking)
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Eric Wright Charitable Trust Fund
The Eric Wright Charitable Trust’s fund administered by Lancaster District CVS is open again. Applying is quick and easy, and we would like to encourage all small groups around the Lancaster District to access these funds.
Grants of up to £500 are awarded to organisations with income under £50,000, providing activities that can make a positive difference to the lives & wellbeing of all age groups.
Deadline: 5pm on Thursday 22 June 2023.
If you have any queries about the fund or how to apply, get in touch by email at [email protected] or by ringing CVS on 01524 555900.
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England’s Landscape Recovery Scheme – Round Two Open for Applications
Funding is available to farmers and land managers to support projects to create new habitats for wildlife, help protected sites and boost efforts to reach net zero in England. Farmers and landowners in England are invited to apply for a share of a £15 million fund for projects that create new habitats, help enhance nature protection, and drive sustainable food production. All private land managers and landowners in England are able to apply including farmers, foresters, charities, non-farming organisations and collaborative groups. The maximum amount of development funding available in this second round of the scheme is £750,000 per project. The deadline for Round Two applications is 21 September 2023 (12:00 BST).
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New £15m Funding to Provide Disadvantaged Youth Access to Outdoor Education
The Department for Education has announced funding of £15 million to help young people in deprived and nature-depleted areas to learn outside. The funding will also allow nurseries, schools and colleges to develop the biodiversity of their site and improve their outside learning facilities. Nurseries, schools and colleges that are ranked the lowest in Natural England’s measure of local access to natural space and are in areas with high levels of deprivation will be eligible for a grant. Nurseries, schools and colleges can register their interest in the National Education Nature Park ahead of a full launch in autumn 2023.
Further information on the £15 million fund will be announced soon. Visit GOV.UK for further information
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Heritage fund ‘Helping you Apply’ Grant Guidance Webinars
The National Lottery Heritage Fund are hosting 2 hour informal sessions providing guidance that is tailored for organisations, groups and private owners of heritage based in the North of England. The webinar will look at the impact of heritage developments, well-planned projects and writing strong funding applications. This webinars will be especially helpful for first time applicants and those who are completely new to funding.
Grants for £3,000-£10,000 Webinar
Date & time: Tuesday 20th June 2023, 10am-12pm
Location: Online
More information and book your place
Grants for £10,000 – £250,000 Webinar
Date & time: Wednesday 26th July 2023, 2pm
Location: Online
More information and book your place
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Hinrichsen Foundation Accepting Applications to Promote Music Across the UK
The Hinrichsen Foundation is offering grants to charities and other organisations across the United Kingdom to support the performance of contemporary music, which may include the commissioning of new work, non-commercial recording, or even publication.
There are two levels of funding available:
- One-off small grants typically between £500 and £2,500 (for new applicants and former beneficiaries).
- Larger projects or concert series generally £2,000 and over.
The next deadline for applications is 5 June 2023.
Learn more about this fund and apply
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Wolfson Foundation’s Round Two of Funding for Places Opens for Applications (UK)
Grants are available for organisations and educational establishments in the UK which are registered charities or have charitable status to support new build or refurbishments. Through its main grants programme, the Wolfson Foundation, one of the UK’s largest funding charities, awards capital grants to support excellence in the fields of education, science and medicine, health and disability, heritage, humanities and the arts. The funding can be used for buildings (new build or refurbishments) and equipment. The minimum grant is £15,000 and there are no maximum grant amounts. The size of the grants varies greatly across different programme areas.
The Round 2 deadline for stage one applications for:
- Secondary schools, sixth form colleges, special needs schools and college is 10 June 2023.
- All other organisations is 1 July 2023.
Find out more about this funding option
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Pilgrim Trust’s Young Women’s Mental Health Grant Programme Opens for 2023
Funding is available for projects to improve the mental health of young women aged 16 to 25 years old in the North East or North West of England, Yorkshire and Humber or Northern Ireland. Now in its third year, the Pilgrim Trust’s five-year, £5 million Young Women’s Mental Health Grant Programme is open to applications from UK registered charities with an annual income of between £100,000 and £1 million, have been operating for at least three years and whose work or project is located in the North East or North West of England, Yorkshire and Humber or Northern Ireland. The grants are for organisations that increase young women’s access to high quality, age and gender specific mental health services. To apply for funding, charities must first book a telephone conversation with the Trust’s Grants Manager to discuss their potential application. An application form will only be sent after this conversation has taken place.
The ‘book a conversation’ form is now available until 7 July 2023. Applications cannot be made without having this conversation.
Learn more about the programme
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UK Community Ownership Fund – Updated Prospectus Published for Application Round Three
Funding is available to voluntary, community and charitable organisations in the UK to support them in taking ownership of local assets such as sporting and cultural venues, meeting spaces, community centres, pubs and shops. The £150 million Community Ownership Fund aims to support charities and community groups across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets which are at risk of being lost to the community. The fund forms part of a package of UK wide levelling-up interventions, helping to support recovery, build opportunity and empower communities to improve their local places.
Round 3 Window 1 of applications will open on 31 May 2023 and close at 11.59am on 12 July 2023.
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Youth Investment Fund
Grant funding of up to £150k is available for refurbishment of buildings where youth work activities take place. The Youth Investment Fund has been developed to create, expand, and improve local youth facilities and their services in the out of school youth sector, to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved mental and physical wellbeing, and skills for life and work. It aims to transform and level up the out-of-school youth sector. Organisations in parts of Lancaster and Morecambe/Heysham are eligible to apply.
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Co-op Local Fund Reopens for 2023 Applications
Voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations across the UK and Isle of Man can now apply for grants from the Co-op Local Community Fund, which allows Co-op members to support the projects they care most about. Awarded grants are for projects around Co-op and funeral homes that include food accessibility and bringing people together, improved mental wellbeing, opporunities for young people to be heard and restoring nature and tackling climate change. In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. Successful groups will receive a minimum of £1,000 to support their projects.
The deadline to apply is midnight on 11 June 2023.
Learn more about this funding opportunity
Watch the following video to see how funding has supported local causes like Men’s Shed in Shropshire…
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Cycling UK Reopens Big Bike Revival Grants Programme for 2023
Cycling UK is offering grants of up to £2,000 for voluntary and community cycle groups and other not-for-profit organisations across England to deliver projects and activities that achieve the objectives aimed at encouraging cycling who do not normally cycle and improving confidence and perception of cycling safety. Funding is for activities delivered between 15 May 2023 and 30 September 2023.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2023.
Find out more about the Big Bike Revival Grants Programme
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Deadline Reminder for Sport England’s Small Grants
Funding to remove barriers to participation in physical activity and improve community sport provision is available with the Sports England Small Grants programme. Applications remain open for the programme, which offers grants of £300 to £15,000 to projects across England. The aim of the fund is to bring communities together and provide sport and physical activities for people who may be less physically active. Applications are accepted from voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations, schools and local authority bodies.
The deadline to apply is 30 June 2023.
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Healthy Heart Grants Now Open for England Applications
A funding opportunity is available for innovative projects that help to prevent, or reduce, the risk of heart disease in local communities in the UK. Working in partnership with the SUBWAY franchise, Heart Research UK is accepting applications to the next round of its programme for the promotion of heart health. With each region of the UK having its own funding window, the current round is open for groups in England. Two grants of £15,000 each will be awarded. Projects that are likely to have a big impact and have considered novel ways to encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes are also sought.
The deadline to apply is 8 June 2023.
Learn more about the Healthy Hearts Grants
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McCarthy Stone Foundation Offers Grants in Support of Dementia Action Week 2023
The McCarthy Stone Foundation is providing 30 grants of £1,000 each to support grassroot groups in the UK who provide services, such as memory cafes, to help those with dementia. The grant is offered as part of Dementia Action Week 2023, which is taking place from 15-23 May, to increase understanding and awareness, and to encourage people to ‘Act on Dementia’. Small, grassroot community organisations and clubs from across the UK may apply. To be eligible, applicants must be independent, with their own constitution and bank account. Priority will be given to groups with an annual income of less than £25,000.
The deadline for applications is 26 May 2023 with notification shortly thereafter.
Read more about this fund and apply
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National Express Foundation’s Community Grant Scheme Opens to Applications from across UK
In 2023, the National Express Foundation has expanded its community grants programme from the West Midlands to include the whole of the UK.The programme helps fund local community groups across the country who conduct meaningful community activity and has an overarching focus on providing support to young people.
This year’s funding focus is to help community groups that support young people (aged 15 to 24 years) continue to build back from the pandemic. There is a total budget of £100,000 with grants of £1,000, £2,500, or £5,000 for projects which begin in the third quarter of 2023.
There is a two-stage application process.
The deadline for first stage applications is 6 June 2023.
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King Baudouin Foundation Invites UK Applications to its Community Health Fund
Funding has become available for not-for-profit organisations in the UK for projects to support vulnerable young people (aged 15-24) facing mental health challenges. This year, the Brussels based King Baudouin Foundation is inviting UK applications to its UCB Community Health Fund, which aims to address health disparities amongst vulnerable young people. Non-profit and non-governmental organisations can apply for a grant of between €30,000 and €50,000 (approximately £26,286 to £43,800) out of a total fund of €2 million (around £1,752,000).
The deadline for applications is 30 June 2023.
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Power to Change Announces New Discovery Fund to Open for Applications on 1 June
The Discovery Fund is a new fund offered by Power to Change that are providing up funding for community businesses and community focussed organisations in England who are interested in exploring new tech-based solutions to meet some of their existing challenges. Running over nine months, the fund is looking to work collaboratively with 20 community organisations who are interested in making and using technology to meet some of their current challenges. Each organisation will be provided with funding to undertake their own discovery work and will be offered a place on a cohort-based Design Hop programme.
Opens for applications on 1 June and closes on 21 July 2023 (midday).
Discover more about this tech funding opportunity
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New Round of Individuals and Families Funding from British Gas Energy Trust
A funding opportunity from British Gas Energy Trust has become available to support vulnerable energy consumers to pay off their energy debts. The Individuals and Families Fund is intended to tackle fuel poverty by clearing the energy debts of struggling households and respond to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. Grants to cover arrears of up to £1,500 will be credited to the energy account of eligible households.
Applications are submitted on a rolling basis.
Find out more about the British Gas Energy Trust
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Nationwide Building Society Now Accepting Applications
Nationwide are now accepting applications for funding to support work that that helps to address housing problems in the UK. The Community Grants programme 2023 is now open, providing two-year grants of £10,000 to £60,000 in total to organisations working in the UK housing sector. The funding is for local housing projects that will strengthen communities to support the most vulnerable. The grants can support a variety of costs associated with project development and delivery, capacity-building, small-scale capital costs and core costs (up to 20% of the amount requested).
The deadline to apply is 1pm on 26 May 2023.
Learn more about this funding opportunity
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Crowdfund Lancashire Summer 2023 Launch
Round 2 of Crowdfund Lancashire is set to reopen on Tuesday 16th May 2023 for applications to fund projects that will improve the culture or sport offer in the local community. Crowdfund Lancashire gives local communities a chance to create and support the projects which matter most to them. It will enable everyone to contribute towards their community – chipping in as little as £2 to help bring ideas to life. Projects could get up to £20,000 towards their target from the Lancashire Culture and Sport Fund. Spacehive Crowdfund Lancashire will be holding an online launch event to discover how you can support or start local sports and culture projects in the county.
Round 2 Closing Deadline is Tuesday 18th July
Read more about this latest news with Round 2
Reserve your e-ticket for their launch event
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Rewilding Innovation Fund Reopens for 2023
Community groups, public, and private landowners in England, Scotland, and Wales can apply for funding to develop or scale-up rewilding projects on land or at sea. Rewilding Britain is offering grants of up to £15,000 to help remove barriers to rewilding projects across Britain, whether they are at the early planning stage or wish to scale up pre-existing projects. The Rewilding Innovation Fund will support rewilding projects on land and at sea, at a scale of more than 40 hectares, that adhere to Rewilding Britain’s rewilding principles. Applicants must first become a member of the Rewilding Network before submitting a full application. There are typically two funding rounds per year.
The next deadline for applications is 31 May 2023.
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Community Business Trade Up Programme 2023 Opens for Applications
A business development learning programme and match trading grant to support locally rooted community businesses in England to become stronger and more sustainable. The Community Business Trade Up Programme is provided by Power to Change and the Dulverton Trust in partnership with the School for Social Entrepreneurs (SSE). The programme is open to early stage businesses in England, ideally less than four years old, that are working towards these criteria:
- Locally rooted.
- Accountable to the local community.
- Trading for the benefit of the local community.
- Making a broad community impact.
Applications are now open with a deadline of 12 noon on 26 June 2023.
Read the Community Business Trade Up notes for applicants
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AHF Launches New Grants Programme for Historic Building Projects in England
New funding is available for charities and not-for-profit organisations in England to support early-stage feasibility work on historic building projects in England. The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is offering new funding for 2023-2024 which aims to help a range of not-for-profit organisations, including social enterprises, through the early stages of planning to restore and re-use historic buildings. Project Viability grants of up to £10,000 are available and are normally valid for one year.
There is a two-stage application process. Expressions of Interest may be submitted at any time, but applicants should bear in mind that the programme closes to full applications on 26 January 2024.
Read more about this funding opportunity
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Nationwide Building Society Community Grants – 2023 Dates Announced
Funding has become available for projects which address the housing problem across the UK. Housing-focused charities in the UK will soon be able to apply to the annual community grants programme from Nationwide Building Society, focusing on preventing people from losing their home, helping people into a home and supporting people to thrive within the home environment. This year, the awards have increased in size, meaning that grants of £10,000 to £60,000 are now available. Nationwide will fund between 50% to 100% of the total cost of a project.
Applications open on 25 April 2023 and close on 26 May 2023 (1pm).
Find out more about the Community Housing Support Grants here
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Community Benefit Fund with Lancaster University
The Community Benefits Fund is a project that was formed by Lancaster University following the installation of their wind turbine in 2012. The wind turbine produces 15% of the overall energy demand on campus each year and the savings are used to award local communities across the Lancaster District with grant funding for community-based and environmental projects. Each year, the fund allocates up to £20,000 to Lancaster District based not-for-profit organisations, charities, trusts, community groups or voluntary organisations to support sustainable projects, large and small.
Applications for the Ninth round of funding (2020-21) will be accepted from 1st April until 30th June 2022. Successful applicants to the fund will be advised in August 2022
Take Back the High Street Report by Power to Change
A new report ‘Take Back The High Street’ compiled by Power to change explores the reasons why high street vacancy rates have increased and set out the policy change needed for community-led regeneration of our high streets. report warns of rising persistent vacancy rates, discusses the challenges facing high streets and sets out clear policy recommendations for government to help create community-led high streets of the future.
The report presents data on the ‘High Street Warning Lights’ – the 100 English towns with the greatest increase in the persistent vacancy rate since 2015 – and the picture of property ownership in these places. It also provides a snapshot of expert opinion on the state of the high street as well as comparative analysis of international examples of initiatives to drive high street renewal, which inform our policy recommendations for the next government to create community-powered high streets.
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Value of Giving Report – Benefact Group
The specialist financial services group of businesses the Benefact Group have released an insightful report into the value of giving. The report looks into how volunteering and donating has impacted society and for the first time unveils a hidden value that charities contribute to the UK economy, as well as our collective wellbeing.
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The Hewitt Report – Integrated Care Systems Summary & Analysis
A review has been released by Rt Hon Patricia Hewitt on oversight, governance and accountability of Integrated Care Systems (ICs). The Hewitt review proposes greater autonomy to enable ICSs to better prevent ill health and improve NHS productivity and care, matched by renewed accountability. If fully implemented, the review’s recommendations offer a step change in enabling ICSs to deliver their four main statutory purposes.
2023 Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards
We are pleased to announce that this year will see the return of the Lancaster District CVS Volunteer Achievement Awards, and this time we will be back in person to host the awards after two years of of the pandemic, that limited us to virtual events. The Awards will take place at the Midland Hotel on 7 June from 5pm.
There are six categories, including Trustee of the Year; Fundraiser of the Year; Young Volunteer of the Year; Lifetime Achievement Award; Volunteer of the Year; and the Roger Sherlock Memorial Community Inspiration Award. We might even have one or two surprises for this year’s event. In addition to the awards categories themselves, we also have Certificates of Recognition that can be awarded to anyone that you feel should get one, for their volunteering efforts over the last couple of years or longer. The Awards are a chance to say thank you, and to recognise the achievements of the many people across our district who make such a positive difference to our communities. We will never get tired of saying that volunteers are vital to us all and hopefully you won’t get tired of reading it.
Do you know someone who volunteers that you think is deserving of some recognition for their efforts? You can nominate them for this year’s awards – find out more on our dedicated page.
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Volunteer Centre News Update
For the latest from the Volunteer Centre you can read our Volunteering News Update here
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Volunteer Opportunity Promotion and Recruitment
Have you registered on our website to promote your volunteer roles? By adding your opportunities to our website you will be making them available to the hundreds of people per month who check our site looking for something to do. You will also enable our team to easily and quickly signpost people to your roles, to give them the information that they need to decide whether they would like to apply.
Registering is quick and easy and you can do it here.
Once registered you will be able to add your roles. If you need any help, or have any questions, you can contact Mark by email at [email protected].
In addition to the website, the Volunteer Centre can promote your roles via our bulletins and newsletters; through attendance at in-person events such as volunteer fairs; in 121 meetings with potential volunteers; through visits to various support organisations; drop-in events at local Job Centres; by posting to our social media platforms; and through our bi-weekly column in the Lancaster Guardian.
If you would like to discuss any of this, including having space in our Lancaster Guardian column, please contact Mark.
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DBS Checks
We offer a DBS check service, working in partnership with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale CVS. If you need DBS certificates for your staff or volunteers, please visit our website here.
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Volunteering Opportunities
Volunteer Community Panel Member Lancashire
The Community Foundation are looking for a someone to join the decision making panel to fill an important role and part of the funding process. Panel members have the very difficult job of deciding who is successful and who has to be declined. As well as being difficult it is also very rewarding as panel members have an opportunity to make an impact and learn more about what is happening in their community. They have the responsibility to ensure that funding is spent as per the donor’s wishes. CFLM values the knowledge, skills, expertise and experience that panel members can bring to the discussion as it can really enhance the assessments and aid decision making.
If you are interested in the role, please send your CV (if available) and brief statement of no more than 500 words to detailing your voluntary and community sector experience and why you are interested in being a panel member. If shortlisted, Community Foundation for Merseyside will invite you for an informal interview to find out more about you. If you would like to apply, please send your expression of interest to [email protected]
If you have any queries please contact James at the above email address or by telephone on 0151 294 4750.
Find out more about this opportunity
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Skilled Volunteer Opportunities with Remap
Do you have engineering or craftsman skills that could be used to help others? Remap is a unique charity, working through a nationwide network of volunteers who use their ingenuity and skills to help adults and children with disabilities achieve greater independence and enjoyment of life’s opportunities. These volunteers design and manufacture special equipment where there is nothing commercially available. The commitment is flexible and work is shared between volunteers in accordance with availability. A few hours a month can help change someone’s life. They are seeking volunteers in the Fylde area particularly but anyone living in Lancashire or the South Lakes would be welcome.
For more information see our website www.remap.org.uk or contact Harry Davis, Chairman, Lancashire NW Panel 01253 731958 or email – [email protected]
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Bay Volunteers – Various Roles
Do you have time during the week to support individual residents with things like shopping, prescription collection, light touch telephone befriending, and more? Bay Volunteers needs volunteers to take up tasks at flexible times during the week supporting vulnerable members of our communities. Tasks are posted to a noticeboard accessible by volunteers and you can choose which ones you can do.
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Board of Director Roles at Wise Up Workshops CIC
Wise Up Workshops CIC are looking to select people who have professional expertise to join their Board of Directors and be jointly responsible for its governance and strategic direction. In order to strengthen the board’s areas of expertise, they are looking to select two people who already work in one or more of the following areas:
- As independent, practicing, self-employed artists/drama workshop leader
- Within finance – budget setting, budget management and accountancy
- In the education sector or within relevant disciplines
Take a look at the job description for the role
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Roles with n-compass
Penpal Volunteer
Provide a connection and emotional support to Carers.
Outgoing CHAT line Volunteer
Provide a listening ear and emotional support to Carers.
Sitting In Service Volunteer
To allow carers a much-needed break from their caring role in order to do something for themselves.
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Green Rose Energy Volunteer
Green Rose are advertising a variety of roles to choose from including social media support, helping at drop ins and events, delivering energy advice and holding the phone. There will be support around delivering energy champions training and briefings. The CIC provide a friendly and fun environment in which to meet new friends and learn new skills.
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The Bay Morecambe Hub Volunteer
The mental health & wellbeing project The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery have recently opened a Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre in Morecambe and are looking to use the space for events, closed group sessions and drop-in wellbeing support and signposting. The team are looking for friendly, reliable and empathetic volunteers to support with the running of the Community Hub and activities. The Bay programme is designed to help people to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the resulting social isolation by providing opportunities to connect with nature and participate in environmental activity around Morecambe Bay. The role will be flexible and there are plenty of ways to get involved.
IPPR Commission Report on Health and Prosperity
This in-depth report looks at the relationship between good health and prosperity both individually and nationally. Alongside longer life expectancy there is also the issue of greater rates of death and impaired health such as long-term conditions whether singular or multiple. Particularly looking at the lack of regard for good health by policy makers the report brings to light the importance of not overlooking good long-term health and how it can both positively impact and benefit the economy. The report covers both the pre-pandemic and pandemic period and also how factors such as having a member of the household who is unwell can impact this issue. Interesting findings also reveal that the impact of long-term illness on the labour market is not unique to the pandemic showing that both mental and physical health have already been a long-term factor in loss of earnings and economic cost.
Click this link to read the report in full.
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International Yoga & Mind Body Practice for Wellbeing Conference
The UCLan Social Prescribing Unit are holding the first International Yoga & mind-body practice conference as a celebration of the practice of Yoga and its influence in guiding us in life’s challenges. The conference aims to bring together communities, prescribers, researchers, students, academics, health and social care professionals and prescribers of social prescribing into a space to share, promote, collaborate and explore the impact on an individual’s wellbeing from yoga and how it influences our ability to react or respond as we move toward pandemic recovery and growth.
The event takes place on 21st June 2023
Find out more about this event and book
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Bay Health Festivals: Lancaster
Bay Health Festival Stalls
Join Bay Health Festivals in Dalton Square, Lancaster, on July 8 & 9 for two fantastic family events. On Saturday July 8 they will be hosting their biggest ever Bay Health Festivals event, with loads of stalls and live entertainment.
Get a free health check, find out about a huge range of health-related organisations and charities, and get inspired to discover new, healthier ways of living. There’s also live entertainment and great food and drink on offer throughout the day!
A Celebration of Cycling
On Sunday July 9th pedal on down to Dalton Square for a celebration of cycling. Whether you’re riding a bike for fitness or transport (or both) cycling is great exercise for body and mind and also helps to reduce traffic and is better for the environment. Test ride an e-bike, get tips and advice on starting cycling, get a free bike check from a qualified mechanic, and much more!
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Home Fire Safety Check
Receive your own personalised fire safety advise by filling in the questionnaire provided on the home fire safety check service page. Get safety advice specific to your individual needs via email or possibly a fire safety check at home should you be at a higher risk. Click on the link below to fill out the questionnaire and get the relevant and important advice provided by Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.
Lancashire Fire Safety Questionnaire & Advice
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Mental Health Awareness Toolkit – Student & Staff Resources
The Mental Health Foundation have created a toolkit with helpful resources for Mental Health Awareness Week to help you share information about mental health and anxiety. The toolkit has information on managing stress and anxiety, mental wellbeing audio guides, managing teacher anxiety and more.
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Dementia & Companionship Café
Home Instead are hosting a dementia and companionship café for those with dementia, their families and carers or anyone feeling isolated. The café is a great opportunity for those attending to share experiences, enjoy a brew and get involved with some fun activities. The cafés will take place every second Wednesday from 9:30-11am from 24th May.
Find out more by viewing their event e-poster
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Community Groups in May – Safenet
The domestic abuse support service Safenet are running a series of personal development and parenting courses running in May. The sessions include Power2Change which is a 12-week personal development course for people who have experienced unhealthy relationships, including sessions on self-esteem, boundaries and managing our emotions. Other sessions include You & Me, Mum which is a 10-week parenting course that looks at the effects of unhealthy or abusive relationships on parenting and children.
Session dates, times & locations:
Power2Change Women – 10am- 11.30am every Monday from 15/05/23 at Stanleys Youth and Community Centre, Morecambe or 5.30pm -7pm every Monday from 15/05/2023 at Red Rose Recovery, 58 Penny Street, Lancaster
View the Power2Change Women e-flyer
Power2Change Men – 11am-12.30pm every Friday from 05/05/2023 at Red Rose Recovery, 58 Penny Street, Lancaster or 1.30pm-3pm every Monday from 15/05/2023 at Stanleys Youth and Community Centre, Morecambe
View the Power2Change Men e-flyer
You & Me, Mum – 9.30am-11am every Friday from 05/05/2023 at Red Rose Recovery, 58 Penny Street, Lancaster
View the You & Me, Mum e-flyer
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Snowballs & Eels – Report Commissioned by The National Lottery Community Fund
Snowballs & Eels is a rapid review of national funding for cross-sector partnership building in health and care in England from 2019 to 2022. This report looks at what funding from national sources has been made available to support the VCSE’s engagement in partnerships with health and care system partners recent years. The title reflects one of their key findings – that the funding landscape is complex, fragmented and opaque, and geographic differences which have emerged have led to a snowball effect of funding in some Integrated Care Systems, where others are still struggling to secure funding amongst a “morass of eels”. The report sets out a range of learning on the impact different approaches to funding can have, and the benefits and limitations to thinking about how resources are deployed.
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Drowning Prevention and Water Safety
As the weather begins to improve, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service is joining other fire services across the UK and asking people to stay safe when spending time in and around water. The call comes as part of the National Fire Chiefs Council’s (NFCC) ‘Be Water Aware’ campaign which ran from 24th – 30th April 2023. The campaign is warning people of the risk of accidentally drowning when in or around water. There were 277 deaths in the UK from accidental drowning in 2021 in inland and coastal locations. 40% of people who lost their lives had no intention of entering the water according to the WAID 2021 annual fatal incident report, with slips, trips and falls being the main cause of them entering the water.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service would like people to know some basic water safety information related to the #BeWaterAware campaign:
- Don’t assume you’re not at risk of drowning just because you don’t intend to go into the water.
- If someone falls into water call 999. Advise the casualty to try and float on their back and relax. Try and shout for help nearby and throw them something to either drag them to safety or to aid them to float.
- Ensure children are fully supervised near water.
- Do not enter the water if you have been drinking or taking drugs.
- If you are going running alone, try and tell someone where you are going.
- Never enter the water yourself to try and save someone.
Learn more at the Lancaster Fire & Rescue Website
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Mental Health Support Resources
The Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust have provided a support resource for those struggling with their mental health. The resources include a range of FREE self-help guides that cover various issues including anxiety, stress, self-harm and more. Also available is a selection of useful contacts both locally and nationally covering a wide range of mental health areas.
Mental Health Support links below:
Mental Health Support Services
Self-help Support Guides
Accessing Mental Health Support in the Bay
Young Peoples View on Culture Survey
A questionnaire provided by Common Vision is giving those aged under 25 who live in England the opportunity to give their views on culture, creativity and education. They can share their experiences on art and culture and give their opinion on what young people may need to access and enjoy both cultural and creative experiences. There is also the chance to get involved and gain paid work as a Youth Facilitator conducting workshops for research with other young people. Respondents can click on the link below to take part in the survey and will all be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 voucher!
Follow this link for the survey
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Lancaster Music Festival Young Peoples Academy
The LMF have launched its 2023 Academy (fka Search For a Star). The academy is open for anyone aged 14-21 in North Lancashire or South Cumbria and is a great chance to receive musical mentorship from Sony signed band “Lowes”, work with Beyond Radio and other industry professionals, and perform live paid gigs t this Octobers city wide music festival.
The application process is simple and the deadline is midnight June 11th.
View their e-poster here
Find out more and sign up
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Young Volunteer of the Year Award – Volunteer Achievement Awards 2023
Lancaster CVS CYPMAF (Children and Young People Multi Agency Forum) are calling for nominations from people who have a young person under the age of 24 who they feel has made a positive difference to their organisation. Recognise and celebrate their valuable contribution by clicking the link below to gain access to the nomination form. Sunday 28th May is the deadline for nominations and the Awards will take place at The Midland Hotel on Wednesday the 7th of June from 5pm.
Submit your nominations by Sunday 28th May here
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Break the Mould – Last Info Event
Young people aged 16-25 from Lancaster and Cumbria are invited to come together to develop a new grant scheme that will give out £60,000 to community groups and organisations.
Break the Mould – Information Event (Online) If you weren’t able to make it to our in-person event, we have our last information event today at 5pm. You can just hop onto Teams on this link.
These events are aimed at young people in Lancaster and Cumbria. The deadline for registrations is fast approaching (2nd June) so be sure to submit your application in good time! Limited spaces available!
For any enquiries contact Anthony Briggs at [email protected] or Catherine Westwell at [email protected]
View the programme e-poster here
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The Hero Next Door at The Dukes
The Dukes Theatre Lancaster are showing an exciting new play by multi-award-winning author Onjali Q. Rauf MBE and Face Front Inclusive Theatre. The production is a family fun performance that celebrates difference, friendship and working together to do the right thing. Characters include Musa, who happens to be a refugee; Hayley, an autistic girl who adores frogs; and a would-be bully by the name of Melody. This unlikely bunch come together to save an elderly neighbour from a con-woman posing as a carer, with thrilling and hilarious results.
The Hero Next Door uses film, animation, music and physical theatre to be accessible to all. As a leading inclusive theatre company, Face Front has been proud to assemble a diverse collective of cast and creatives, including disabled, non-disabled and culturally diverse actors.
There are two performances on the 16h June – 11am and 7.45pm.
A local teacher gave their thoughts on the show “The Hero next Door was excellent. The children were engaged throughout”.
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Uniform Project with the Morecambe Foodbank
Morecambe Bay Uniform Project are offering support for anyone in need of school uniform. Individuals are welcome to self-refer (or a professional can refer on their behalf), and they will do their best to supply as much as they can. If your children are changing schools in September or outgrowing their current uniform, get in touch with the project and they will supply a more suitably fitted uniform for parental peace of mind prior to the new term.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Jeni from Citizens Advice North Lancashire on 07942 391188 or at [email protected]
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Prince’s Trust Community Project
As the Princes Trust prepare for the next team to start in May 2023, they are looking for local organisations or groups who might be able to host the team for their community project. The Community Project takes place w/c 12th & 18th June 2023 and provides the team with the opportunity to take ownership of a non-technical project over 8 days. Previous community projects have included tidying up spaces by painting and gardening. The size of Princes Trust Team will be around 15. Please contact [email protected] for further information.
Nature Therapy Summit: Enhance Your Impact Through Connection
The University of Central Lancashire and the charity Mind Over Mountains are colloborating for an industry leading event, which aims to bring together leading voices from across the outdoors, mental health, social prescribing and research community to share best practice, inspire future research and aid your future funding bids. This in-person event includes a mixture of keynote talks, guided discussion groups, workshops and networking opportunities to leave you with a rucksack packed full of ideas, resources, new connections and opportunity. There is also an additional opportunity for a night of camping for a conitnuation of networking and discussion.
Date & time: 16th June 2023, 10am-4.30pm
Location: Westleigh Conference Centre, Lead Rd, Preston, PR4 0RB
Find out more and book your place
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LCC – FREE Drop In Activities for Half-term
Festa Italia Family Fun
Pop along for a family fun mask making craft drop in during the holidays. With the weather looking promising Festa Italia are providing some family fun with drop in Italian craft. No booking required. 01524 581241
Sunday 28 May, 11am – 4pm
Wild Escape at Judges Lodgings
Create your own masterpiece with artist Lela Harris and learn about the natural world with our special free half-term activities. No booking required. 01524 581241
Sessions are on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 June Sunday 11 June, 11am-12.30 and 1-3pm
See their Half term activity events e-poster here
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A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel at The Gregson
Introducing singer songwriters Tim Chu and Ian Bailey performing “A Celebration of Simon & Garfunkel- The UK’s leading non tribute show” as heard on BBC Radio. Tim Chu has been a professional session musician for many years and his music features in TV, Film and Radio. He has loved the music of Paul Simon from a young age. Ian Bailey has been a singer songwriter releasing his own albums for many years. Together they blend in their own unique way without falling into the tribute act category. There will be no make-up, wigs or costumes – Just two great musicians performing some of Simon & Garfunkel’s classic songs in an intimate and relaxed way.
Date & time: Friday 23rd June 2023, 7.30-10pm
More information and ticket bookings here
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Zine Making Session with Guests
Come and join The Good Things Collective for a Zine making session where you will get the opportunity to explore the diverse and acceptance of culture of zines and their unruly stories. Held in a no pressure environment, you can role up your sleeves and get creative drawing, writing doodling, collaging and more. The May session welcomes their first guest Ziner, the wonderful Jill Anderson from the MadZines research project, CCrAMHP and Asylum magazine.
Find out more and reserve your place
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The Future of Child Safeguarding Digital Conference
Westminster Insight are hosting a digital conference which will examine the future of child safeguarding which takes a cloer look into the increasing rate of neglect, domestic abuse, child sexual and child criminal exploitation and the systems in place in order to protect children and support families. The conference will bring together multi-agency safeguarding partners from across children’s social care, child protection, health, family hubs, police and schools. They will explore how to strengthen families to reduce risks of harm from both within and outside the home.
Date & time: Tuesday 4th July 2023, 9am-1.45pm
Location: Online
Find out more and book your place
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Visual Impairment Awareness Training with Galloways
Galloway’s, the leading local sight loss charity are running a set of training days for visual impairment awareness. The courses are aimed at any professionals, volunteers, carers, friends and family. Galloways are home to one of the largest communities of blind and partially sighted people across Lancashire and Sefton. Each year, thousands of people from the local community reach out to Galloway’s in search of face-to-face support, advice about remaining independent, information on their sight condition or to meet other visually impaired people.
A previous attendee found the sessions a positive experience – “Staff were excellent teachers, and listened very carefully to everybody’s questions. I came out of the session with a much better understanding of the issues affecting blind people, from a theoretical and practical point of view (the blindfolded exercises were illuminating to do!) and also with some good basic skills on how to start helping a blind person get around. I look forward to putting these skills into practice!”
The training dates are as follows:
Fri 2nd Jun – Galloway’s Morecambe – 10am – 12.30pm Book here
Mon 5th Jun – Zoom/MS Teams – 10am – 12pm Book here
Tue 6th June – The Pulse Skelmersdale – 9am – 11.30am Book here
Wed 7th June – Galloway’s Preston – 1pm – 3.30pm Book here
Fri 9th June – Brighter Living Centre – 1pm – 3.30pm Book here
If you have any questions, contact them on 01772 744148 or at [email protected]
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Growing Our Food Futures
In 2021 ‘Our Food Futures: A community food strategy for North Lancashire’ was published. This kickstarted a range of exciting community-led and collaborative projects and activities across the District, including the Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership; the food club network; THRIVE Magazine; Where The Wildings Are school project; The Plot’s FarmStart scheme and the Closing Loops projects, just to name a few… It’s now time to come together, build new connections, reflect and learn from what has been achieved so far and plan next steps. This event is being hosted by Jamie Murphy and Anna Clayton from FoodFutures, a day for connecting, dreaming and planning next steps for growing a “thriving local food system that is healthy, resilient and fair”. The event is open to everyone – from those who run community food projects and have never identified with FoodFutures; to those who have been involved with FoodFutures since the beginning. Or those who just want to find out what is going on. Lunch, drinks and refreshments will be provided.
Date & time: 14th June 2023, 10am-3pm
Location: The Platform, Morecambe
Booking is essential to help us adapt the event and reduce food waste.
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Lancashire Strategic Framework Consultation Events
As part of the development of Lancashire 2050, Lancashire’s new overarching strategy, the Lancashire Skills and Employment Board are refreshing the Lancashire Skills and Employment Strategic Framework which was published in February 2021. The Lancashire Skills & Employment Hub are undertaking a consultation with employers, providers, and partners to gain feedback on the priorities identified and to consider how we can all work collectively to the benefit of Lancashire residents and businesses. The Hub are inviting you to this consultation event for your valuable contribution. There are two event dates to choose from.
Dates & time: Friday 26th May, 10am-1pm / Thursday 8th June, 2-5pm
Location: Samlesbury Hotel, Preston New Rd, Preston, PR5 0UL
Find out more and reserve your place here
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North Lancashire Green Week 10-25 June
In June 2023, a range of organisations, groups, charities, businesses, individuals and change-makers in Lancaster, Morecambe and the Lune Valley region will be taking part in the largest nationwide event for climate and nature to highlight the need for urgent action in this area. The local North Lancashire Green Week highlights the need to come together to collaboratively address the climate and nature emergency and look at ways our local communities can work together to make a real and lasting difference. The local programme of events is coordinated by FoodFutures, North Lancashire’s sustainable food network. It will include Lancaster’s Midsummer Market, an open day and celebration at Claver Hill Community Food Growing Project, the opening of a new play park at Greaves Park and a whole range of informative, fun, and engaging events and activities… Read more
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Cap Money Course
Christians against poverty are holding a free course on money management with tips and guidance on learning to budget, save and spend. The course is for anyone from students to the retired. The course will contain a few pointers for setting your own household budget and making it balance, with unlimited access to a brilliant free online tool which does the adding up for you. Their team will share ideas of how to make your money go further, spend less and to save for future events, home improvements, trips, Christmas, birthdays, etc, and stay out of debt for a secure financial future.
Date and time: Mondays: 5th, 12th and 19th June, 9.30am – 11am.
Location: Lune Park Neighbourhood Centre, Rylands Park, Lancaster
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Charity Excellence & Charity Digital Webinars
Please find below a couple of really useful webinars by Charity Excellence and Charity Digital that may be of interest:
Artificial Intelligence and Funding Bids
This webinar looks at the likes of Chat GPT and how it could help you with your fundraising bids. This webinar is by Charity Excellence which is a free site for charities and contains a free grant search facility, a comprehensive self assessment framework for governance and management, a huge resources database AND an AI bid writing service – you need to register with an email and password.
Social Media for Awareness and Increasing Donations
Charity Digital has a really useful training webinar (1:18 mins) on how to use social media to raise awareness and increase donations. It covers many social media platforms including how charities can use TikTok – some great practical tips.
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Groundwork – Designing & Implementing Support for Creative Practitioners (virtual)
The Arts & Health Hub are delivering training for organisations commissioning and working with creative practitioners in the field of arts and health. This could include statutory and charitable organisations delivering community arts programmes (i.e social prescribing schemes) and arts organisations that commission artists. This training is not designed for individual artists. This six hour training course takes place over three 2-hour sessions and you are advised to attend all three sessions.
The sessions take place on:
8th June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)
15th June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)
22nd June 2023 (2pm – 4pm)
The course takes place over Zoom.
Learn more about this course here
Book your e-ticket for the virtual session here
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NFP Workshops – Affordable Training Courses for Charities
NFP are running a variety of workshops that cover a range of subject areas for charities, schools, healthcare and public sector organisations. The online sessions can be attended via Zoom and take place from 10am-12.30pm. The workshop timetable has included more dates in the coming months as follows:
Managing staff – 21 Jun
Bid Writing – 5,19 Jun
Corporate Fundraising – 6 Jun
Legacy Fundraising – 20 Jun
Recruiting & Managing Volunteers – 7 Jun
Fundraising Regulations & GDPR – 25 May
Introduction to Fundraising – 22 Jun
Managing Staff – 21 Jun
Charity Finance – 8 Jun
View the full workshop schedule and booking links
The course is delivered free for volunteers, with a charge for other delegates. Find out more and book your place.
Circuit Operations Manager
The North Lancashire Methodist Circuit are looking for a suitably experienced full-time Operations Manager. Though they are an equal opportunities employer the post holder must be a practicing Christian and a member of a church which is part of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. The role holder will provide professional management and oversite in various areas to give more freedom to ministers and volunteers to concentrate on mission and ministry.
Salary: £31,000 per annum
Contract: 40 hours per week with some flexible work
Closing Date: 19th June 9am
Interview: Week beginning 3rd July
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Weekend Caretaker
The Centre @ Halton is looking for a weekend caretaker who can start as soon as possible. Duties include opening/closing the building for parties and general cleaning and tidying. Flexible hours and must have own use of own transport and the applicant must be over 18.
Salary: £10.50 per hour with annual holiday entitlement
Location: Low Road, Halton
Closing Date: 30th June
Call 01524 811316 to discuss the role
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Development Worker with Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership
LDFJP are looking for someone who is passionate about social justice and are keen to help bring their plan into reality. Your work will contribute directly to enacting real change within the Lancaster district. You’ll work alongside the Partnership as well as directly with their group members – supporting, engaging and ultimately activating communities experiencing poverty. You’ll need to have excellent organisational skills and the ability to work with a range of people.
Salary: £22,500 (£27,500 per annum pro rata)
Contract: Fixed term for 12 months. 28 hours per week (0.8 FTE)
Location: Hybrid
Closing Date: Midnight 5th June 2023
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Young People’s Action Research Officer with CancerCare
CancerCare North Lancashire & South Cumbria are seeking an Action Research Officer to join their team. The role will include working with teenagers in their Refresh group to co-design, deliver and evaluate the service. There will also be a small Case Worker element to the role which will require delivering targeted support for identified young people working alongside other service providers, including supporting and signposting families to access services from other providers.
Salary: £16,461 (£25,720 ft equivalent)
Contract: 24 hours per week: Tues-Thurs
Location: Slynesdales, Lancaster
Closing Date: 16th June 2023
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Global Link Part Time Caseworker
Support asylum seekers and in particular refugees by providing casework through resettlement programmes. For this role you will also be supported and supervised to undertake tasks such as providing ‘moving on’ advice such as setting up bank accounts and benefit applications, advice and support with housing, welfare benefits, public services, etc and help them access a range of services such as those provided by voluntary, community and faith groups and organisations. These are just a few tasks you will be required to do for this rewarding role helping and supporting people to settle into their new lives.
Salary: Pro rota £25, 434 (£13.77/hour) + employer’s pension contribution of 5%.
Actual salary for the 0.5 post is £12,534.25
Contract: 17.5 hours per week
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 30th May at 9:00am.
Start date: 3rd of July 2023
Applicants should send completed job applications to [email protected]
or post to Global Link, 29 Queen Street, Lancaster, LA1 1RX.
Find out more about this role and apply
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Programme Coordinator with LGBT
Lancashire LGBT are looking for a reliable Programme Coordinator primarily to recruit, retain and manage volunteers as well as be responsible for communications and project monitoring. The prospective candidate would be at an advantage with administrative skills and an understanding of the challenges and issues LGBTQ+ people experience.
Salary: 27,300
Contract: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Preston Office
Closing Date: Jun 4th 2023, Midnight
Interview date: June 22nd 2023
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Family Support Worker with School Home Support (SHS)
The School Home Support charity are looking for a Family Support Worker to join their team and to make a difference in children’s lives. As the Family Support Worker, you will work in close partnership with school staff to deliver a programme of casework to promote and improve educational outcomes for the children and the families they support. You will also focus your support to help improve attendance, punctuality and engagement in learning.
Salary: £19,158 – £21,625 per annum
Contract: Contract, full-time – 5 days per week term time only plus inset days – 35 hours per week
Location: Stanley Primary School and Westminster Primary Academy, Blackpool
Closing Date: 14th June 2023, 23:59
I’m interested in this role, show me more
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Lancaster Floating Support – Accomodation Finding Officer with Gateway
The Gateway homeless service team are looking to expand their offer working alongside their floating support team. This exciting new role is to support customers to source affordable, private rented accommodation, and provide casework support to set up and maintain their accommodation for the long term. Building up networks with private landlords to increase move on provisions and maximise outcomes for customers.
Salary: £22,800 per annum (negotiable dependent on experience)
Contract: 37 hrs per week. Fixed until 31st March 2024 – Opportunity for extension on a yearly basis.
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe
Closing Date: 25th May 2023
Interview date: Week commencing 5th June 2023
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Network Coordinator – Let’s BeFriends
In order to grow their team of befrienders, Let’s BeFriends are looking for a Network Coordinator to lead on planning and organising recruitment campaigns and implement initiatives to attract new volunteers. The post holder will be expected to network, build and maintain relationships with various organisations to aid the sustainability of recruitment.
Salary: 16 hours per week @ £12.98 per hour
Contract: Self-employed role with an initial 12-month contract/ Flexible hours
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe including some home working
Closing Date: Tues 30th May, 11.59pm
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Dementia Adviser with Alzheimer’s Society
The Alzheimer’s Society are looking to welcome an approachable, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable, community-based Dementia Adviser to join their supportive and compassionate team, focusing on supporting people affected by dementia. The role will have a focus on being a regular presence supporting outreach and group activities – Dementia Hubs, Dementia Café, Singing for the Brain – promoting engagement and wellbeing and being a trusted and friendly face to people looking for help.
Salary: £22,125 – £23,472 Pro rata, per annum
Contract: Permanent
Location: Community-based across Central Lancashire – Chorley, South Ribble, and Greater Preston with some homeworking elements.
Closing Date: 31 May 2023, 01:00
If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:
Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]
Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]
Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]
Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]
Children and young people, contact [email protected]
Membership queries to: [email protected]
Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]
Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900
To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]
