Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 14 July 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.
Break the Mould – Residential Weekend
A huge thanks to all the young people that joined us from across Lancaster district and Cumbria to take part in our Break the Mould residential weekend at The Kepplewray Centre on the 17th and 18th June. The inspiring group of young people worked hard to design a grants programme which will give out £60,000 to local communities. Thanks also to Buzz and Steve from Think Forward CIC for doing such a fabulous job in galvanising the young people.
The ‘Break the Mould’ project is funded by the Francis C Scott Charitable Trust to celebrate their 60th Anniversary and is delivered in partnership between LDCVS and Cumbria Youth Alliance.
Lloyd’s Bank Foundation Offering Local Collaborations Grants
Funding is available to support partnerships to influence locally and regionally on major social issues. The latest programme of funding from Lloyd’s Bank Foundation England and Wales will support local collaborations led by small charities that help to improve the social security system for those facing the greatest challenges, ensuring easy access to accommodation for those facing copmplex issues and improvement of support and services for asyluym seekers and refugees. The fund offers grants of £100,000 over two years, with the opportunity to extend this by an extra year and an additional £50,000.
The deadline to apply is 22 September 2023 at 5pm.
Find out more about this funding programme
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Single Grant Available to Support Veterans’ Mobility
Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust is delivering a new funding programme aimed at supporting disabled veterans to access mobility equipment that meets their needs and improves their quality of life. The fund offers one single award of up to £2.52 million over five years for an organisation to deliver in-kind grants in the form of specialist mobility equipment. Registered charities can apply to this programme, provided they have been registered in the UK for more than two years and are experienced in working with veterans and supporting those with disabilities.
The deadline to apply is 9am on 14 August 2023.
Learn more about this funding opportunity
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Applications Now Open for Ecology Outreach Grants
The British Ecological Society (BES) is now accepting applications for the second 2023 round of its public engagement grants programme. The fund offers grants of up to £2,000 and is open to all individuals and organisations in Great Britain that are able to organise public engagement events in ecology.
The deadline to apply is 23.59 on 30 August 2023.
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£500,000 for Projects to Tackle Electronic Waste and Support Digital Inclusion
Grants are available for UK organisations to support innovative approaches to tackling e-waste, with a focus on small electrical devices. The Time after Time e-waste Fund is provided by Hubbub Foundation and Virgin Media O2 to boost initiatives for tackling the UK’s e-waste challenge. The funding will support projects that aim to prevent e-waste by extending the life of small electrical items; that increase the recycling of e-waste; or that increase understanding of e-waste and reach new audiences. This year, a total of £500,000 is available, with grants ranging in size from £25,000 to £100,000. The expectation is that between six and eight projects will be supported, with varying grant sizes.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 20 October 2023.
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Heysham South Windfarm Community Fund
The Banks Renewables Fund provides grants to local community groups, voluntary organisations and environmental projects within the boundaries of Banks Renewables wind farms.
The geographic area for this fund, usually restricted to Heaton-with-Oxcliffe, Heysham, Middleton and Overton, has now been extended (pending review after one year) to Lancaster, Morecambe, Glasson, Overton, Sunderland, Ellel and Galgate in addition.
Organisations can apply for up to £7,000 which must be spent within one year. Grants are paid in arrears, with support for cashflow in some circumstances.
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GSK Health Inequalities programme
Health inequalities are avoidable and systematic differences that include access to care, quality and experience of care, life expectancy, and wider factors such as environment and housing. The alarming scale of these inequalities was exposed during the Covid-19 pandemic.
A huge amount of the work around tackling health inequalities is carried out by very small charities working in their communities.
The GSK Health Inequalities programme is intended to support aspirational leaders who want to develop their organisations. It is open to registered charities that are at least one year old, located and working in the UK, with a total annual income of between £20,000 and £150,000.
Up to 15 charities will receive up to £10,000 in unrestricted funding and access to training and development valued at £2,700.
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Closing Loops Participatory Budgeting Design Workshop
Participatory budgeting (PB) is coming to North Lancashire as part of the Closing Loops ‘Pots of Possibility’ fund. PB is a democratic process in which citizens and local communities decide directly how to spend part of a public budget or a community fund.
At this interactive workshop, you will work with others to design the £10K Pots of Possibility grants happening this autumn.
Your involvement will be crucial to ensure the best possible and fairest use of this unique grant funding opportunity. It will also help the Closing Loops project grow ideas and scale up projects that contribute to a local ecosystem of regenerative initiatives and enterprises.
The workshop will be facilitated by Jez Hall, from Shared Future CIC, who brings many years of experience in Participatory Budgeting. This will be a fun and engaging event that will make a real difference to Lancaster District.
If you want to find out more about PB before the event, you can watch a video presentation made by Jez (view here, password 3?Yf#iFN), or this short film about PB.
No previous experience of grant making is required, and we’re looking to particularly engage people from less heard communities to ensure the money reaches widely.
Lunch will be provided after the meeting.
18 July, 10am – 12:15pm
Email Jo Stocking at [email protected] to register and receive joining instructions.
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Energy Resilience Fund
This fund will provide blended grant and loan support to community and social enterprises to enable them to retrofit energy generating/saving technology in community owned or managed buildings, with an initial focus on stabilising or reducing energy costs. It will particularly target high energy users, working in deprived communities or with marginalised groups.
Investment of between £10,000 and £150,000 available, with up to 40% of this available as a grant.
To find out more, email [email protected]
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The Fore’s Autumn 2023 Funding Round
All registered charities, CIO, CIC and CBS organisations with an annual income of under 500,000 are welcome to apply for grants create a step change for your organisation.
Grants might help your organisation to grow, increase your staff capacity, serve a new beneficiary group, become more sustainable or make your systems more efficient.
Successful applicants will receive up to £30,000 over three years, access to mentoring and support, a skills training programme, and a fully funded impact measurement course.
The first application stage is registration, which will be open for one week between 12 noon on 12 July and 12 noon on 19 July.
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Places of Worship Protective Security Fund Opens for 2023/24 Applications
Funding is available to tackle the increasing number of hate crimes directed at religious buildings. Set up in 2016, The Home Office funding aims to reduce the risk and impact of hate crime at places of worship such as churches, gurdwaras, mosques, temples, and associated faith community centres across England and Wales.
In 2023/24, there are grant two schemes, covered by the same application form:
- Places of Worship Protective Security Funding Scheme
- Protective Security for Mosques Scheme
The deadline to apply is 15 August 2023.
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Starbucks and Hubbub Launch ‘Eat it Up Fund’ for UK
A limited number of one-off grants are available for UK registered organisations to support innovative ideas to tackle food waste in the UK. Launched by Hubbub, the environmental charity, in partnership with Starbucks, the new £200,000 Eat it Up Fund is offering grants of up to £40,000. The fund is aimed at finding and supporting creative approaches to reducing food waste. The fund will support UK registered organisations with an early-stage food waste project with potential for impact at scale.
The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 21 July 2023 (5pm).
Learn more about this funding option
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Which? Fund Opens for Applications
Funding for new research projects exploring the consumer harms faced by diverse and disadvantaged communities, or identifying innovative solutions to these issues. Which?, the UK’s consumer champion, is inviting UK registered charities, universities with exempt charitable status and not-for-profit Community Interest Companies registered in the UK to apply for a share of the £75,000 being made available for 2023/24. In this call for applications, the Which? Fund is offering restricted grants to support work aiming to:
- Improve understanding of consumer harms affecting diverse and disadvantaged communities, including novel harms in digital markets.
- Identify evidence-led, pragmatic solutions to consumer harm.
- Develop partnerships and encourage collaborative working to provide a more powerful voice for all UK consumers.
There is no set minimum or maximum grant.
Applications will be accepted from 19 June 2023 to 18 September 2023 (5pm).
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Funding for Small Independent Museums to Tell New Stories and Attract New Audiences
The Association of Independent Museums (AiM), in partnership with the Heritage Fund, is offering grants of up to £15,000 for smaller independent museums across the UK that wish to increase and widen their audiences, enhance their sustainability, and increase participation from groups that are currently under-represented. AIM members in the small museum category (up to 20,000 visitors) that seek to work with new partners and try new ideas can apply.
The deadline for applications is 31 October 2023.
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Lloyd’s Bank Foundation for England and Wales Opens Newest Funding Programme
Unrestricted grants of £75,000 over three years (£25,000 per year) are now available to d/Deaf and disabled people’s organisations across England and Wales. The programme is open to registered charities and charitable incorporated organisations with an annual income of £25,000 to £500,000 and is aimed at registered charities led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty.
The deadline to apply is 5pm on 31 August 2023.
For more about eligibility and application
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3R Funding Local Charities
3R is a new local charity shop based in Carnforth that aims to put the proceeds raised by the shop straight back into the local community. The charity have a simple application form to allow small charities, clubs and groups to apply for £250, £500 or £1000 grants for any projects that benefit the community. It might be a new kit for a sports team, repairs to a clubhouse or other similar costs. The application form is short but please note that the grants are given for specific items – not for general running costs.
Find out more on their website
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Applications Accepted for UK-wide Energy Learning Network Grant
As part of its £10 million Energy and Climate Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund is offering £1.5 million to one UK partnership in order to develop an Energy Learning Network to enable communities focusing on energy and climate to maximise and scale their impact and achieve their vision. It is expected that the successful partnership will provide support in both energy efficiency and generation. Funding will cover a period of three to five years. Interested partnerships are required to contact National Lottery Community Fund in advance before submitting an application for Energy Learning Network funding.
The deadline to apply is 28 July 2023.
Gardens Trust Survey of Friends of Parks and Green Spaces
The Gardens Trust is working on ‘Volunteers Save Space!’, a two-year project part-funded by Historic England. Over the next year, until April 2024, they want to make contact with a wide range of people who visit, enjoy or volunteer in historic parks and gardens, to help build a greater network of supporters for these wonderful and vulnerable landscapes.
They care encouraging people volunteering in Friends groups for parks and gardens to complete their survey, which will build a picture of volunteers interests and priorities, and to work out how the Gardens Trust can offer support and collaboration opportunities.
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Lancaster City Council Selective Licensing Survey & Consultation Meetings
Lancaster City Council would like to know your views on their proposal to introduce two licensing schemes to improve the standards and management of housing within the private sector. These two schemes are Additional Licensing which LCC currently operates and is a mandatory licensing scheme across the district required by law for particular types of houses in multiple occupation (HMOs). This licensing broadens the definitions of a HMO and brings more properties under the remit of such licensing.
Selective Licensing is a scheme which would allow a local authority to introduce licensing conditions to all other private rented houses within a designated area. The area of focus for this license proposal is directed at a particular area in Morecambe, covering Heysham North and West End Wards.
Survey responses are anonymous but there is an option to provide contact details for any follow ups on answers which are given should anyone wish for Lancaster City Council to do so. The survey should take around just 10 minutes and will be available until 14 of August 2023.
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Joseph Rowntree Foundation Cost of Living Tracker, Summer 2023
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is making recommendations for an Essentials Guarantee which would mean that the most basic rate of Universal Credit would at least cover life’s essentials.
Amongst the many struggles that people are facing revealed in the Foundation’s Summer 2023 report is the inability to pay bills, with 4.5 million people in arrears. To make matters worse 2.8 million have been declined loans within the last two years. The report also emphasises the fact that people’s diets and health in general are also being greatly affected due to the affordability of food. Four million people have reported going hungry and 2.7 are living on a poor diet. Other recommendations put forward include unfreezing Local Housing Allowance and preventing landlords being able to raise rents to unaffordable levels.
Read more on this topic and the report in full here
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Voluntary Community Faith Social Enterprise sector agreement with Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB)
Last month, a significant milestone was reached between the VCFSE Alliance and the ICB. A signed partnership agreement with the ICB has now been signed and means that the ICB commits to working with the third sector across the region, system, place and neighbourhood. The agreement covers key areas including commissioning and funding, representation and attendance at key meetings, ways of working, shared understanding and more. A great deal of hard work and perseverance has gone into achieving this result and it is expected to see greater involvement from the voluntary sector in the future.
Read more about this agreement
If you have any questions relating to this agreement please contact Yak Patel at [email protected]
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Small Charity Week – The Value of Small Charities
Between the 19th and 23rd June is Small Charities Week, an annual celebration that brings attention to the incredible value and impact of small charities in our communities. Small charities play a vital role in addressing diverse needs and making a tangible difference in people’s lives. Often operating on a local scale, and here in the Lancaster District we work with 300+ community organisations every year with 94% being small charities, allowing for a personal and tailored approach to support.
In this enlightening article by the Voluntary Sector Studies Network (VSSN), they highlight six important points about small charities that deepen our understanding of their significance. The article sheds light on the unique characteristics and challenges faced by small charities. It covers aspects such as the diverse range of causes they champion, their close connections to the communities they serve, their ability to innovate and adapt, the critical role of volunteers, the need for sustainable funding, and the impact of small charities on social cohesion. Gain valuable insights into the remarkable work of small charities and the essential role they play in building stronger and more inclusive society.
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Co-Op Fortnight
A Co-Op, which is a business or organisation owned and controlled by its members, to meet their shared needs, are there to create value for both their members and communities rather than just maximise profits to shareholders. Co-Op Fortnight is about celebrating this different way of doing business and will involve free recourses to create your own Co-Op Fortnight social media content to enable people to get involved in the campaign, sharing stories to highlight the benefits that Co-Ops bring to people, communities and the wider economy. There is also an advertising campaign with Reach PLC who have supported them in reaching more people than ever during Co-Op Fortnight.
To read in much more detail about Co-Ops, what they achieve and how to get involved click on this link.
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Lancaster Grand Prix Community Group Advert Opportunity
You may well have heard about this years Lancaster Grand Prix which is set to take place on July 17th which starts and finishes at Williamson’s Park. Part of the British Cycling’s National Road Series, it’s the third instalment of the event and will draw large crowds to view the action which will be live streamed via big screen. The race organisers have announced that there is a televised advertising opportunity during the race for community groups that have a short promo video and would like to share what you do.
View the Lancaster Grand Prix twitter post and get in touch
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Travel and Climate Change
Lancaster City Council are welcoming residents who live and work in the Lancaster district to air their views and get involved in a discussion concerning reducing emissions while being able to freely travel around. Though Lancaster City Council have made a lot of progress tackling this issue such as the decarbonisation of Salt Air Leisure Centre, purchasing electric vehicles such as bin trucks and improving the energy efficiency of their buildings this is only part of the bigger picture. As members of the public, we are being encouraged to answer the question “How can we as residents of the Lancaster district access the recourses we need to live a good life by moving around freely while at the same time reduce harmful emissions?” Get involved in the discussion about travel and climate change and put your views forward helping to answer this important question by taking part in the interactive survey here.
Get involved with Vision for Volunteering Workshops
The Vision for Volunteering is a movement to create a diverse, innovative, ambitious, equitable and person-centred future for volunteering. It aims to set out a view of what volunteering needs to look like, and how this will make volunteers feel about their roles, by 2032. More than 350 people from more than 300 organisations contributed to the Vision for Volunteering, which is led by NAVCA, NCVO, Volunteering Matters, and the Association of Volunteer Managers.
The Vision for Volunteering programme team are leading a range of in-person and virtual workshops throughout June and July to inspire you and your organisations to bring Vision for Volunteering to life in your communities. The workshops will be places for you to share what practical tools and resources will best help you with making the Vision a reality.
Find out more on the Vision for Volunteering events webpage.
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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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Volunteering Opportunity Help Guide
We have produced a guide to help you when adding an opportunity to our website – It is quite detailed and covers every possible question. You don’t need to follow it but please do look at it if you get stuck or if it isn’t clear which option to choose when going through the form to add new opportunities.
You can now also add more users to your account. Once registered, log in, hover on Account at the top of the dashboard and click ‘Users’, where you can add more users. This will be useful if you would like someone else to check applicant info and contact potential volunteers.
You can also now choose which category to add your opportunity under, to help people when searching for roles. If you can’t find an appropriate category just use the ‘default’ category and let us know what categories you would like to see added.
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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
Lancaster Men’s Hub
Lancaster Men’s Hub support men of all ages in the Lancaster area with their physical and mental health through a wide variety of activities. They are looking for two volunteers to help in the kitchen during their Friday meals.
Kitchen Coordinator
This role will plan the weekly menu, buy food, and arrange a rota for cooking
Kitchen Assistant
This role will serve food and drinks, keep the cafe and kitchen area tidy, and conduct other kitchen duties.
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The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone is part of Lancaster Methodist Church and is a community of people working together to create a safe place in the city. They are currently looking for volunteers in the roles of Kitchen Assistant, Promotions & Social Media, and Administration Support/Fundraising.
Kitchen Assistant
Required between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays for general kitchen duties.
Promotions & Social Media Lead
Design eye-catching leaflets and posters, and engage the community through social media.
Administration Support – Fundraising
Help with general office duties and complete funding applications.
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Home-Start Volunteers
Home-Start, who offer home-visiting support to local families are looking for more volunteers such as parents, carers or grandparents who feel they could spare 2 to3 hours a week to support a family. They provide training and also other training opportunities and are hoping to run their net course in September. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact Debra Dawkins, the Senior Coordinator of Home-Start to further discuss this role.
Tel: 01524 414871
Mob: 07939404194
Email: [email protected]
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Lancaster Samaritans Volunteer Recruitment Sessions
Lancaster Samaritans are available for people 24/7 to offer confidential and non-judgemental advice. They are looking for caring and empathetic people to give their time to help others. If you would like to find out about what being a volunteer involves the Samaritans are inviting people to an informal information event. The times and dates for these are: 26th of July 7:30-8:30 at The Cornerstone Sulyard Street, Lancaster or 31st of July 1:30-2:30 at Lancaster Library.
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Trustees & Directors at the Gregson Community and Arts Centre
The Gregson are keen to attract a diverse selection of new trustees, and are particularly looking for people with skills and experience in one or more of the following to join their team:
- People Management/HR
- Marketing & Communications
- Business Management
- Organisational Leadership
- Building/Venue Management
Closing date for applications is Monday 17th July 2023
Learn more about these opportunities
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Digital Directory Admin Volunteer
Lancaster District CVS needs a volunteer to support the Digital Directory of Services – click HERE for more details.
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Administrative Support Volunteers
Acorn Recovery Projects need an administration support volunteer & meetings facilitator – click HERE for more details.
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Cooking on a Budget & Living Skills Opportunity
And someone to run some sessions around cooking on a budget and living skills – click HERE for more details.
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New Trustees wanted for Lancaster Men’s Hub
The LMH is a charity that, instead of using therapy or counselling, encourages people to enjoy shared activities which will provide the opportunity to both socialise and form friendships. It is beneficial for both the physical and mental health of men and also women.
The LMH is looking for someone who has experience and skills in charity governance or accounting/bookkeeping. Their aim is also to expand the diversity of Board of Trustees by gaining representation form different age groups and work backgrounds.
Anyone interested in joining the charity as a Trustee is welcome to contact David Mace the LMH Chair on [email protected]
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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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Bay Volunteers – Various Roles
Do you have time during the week to support individual residents with things like shopping, Eggcup and prescription collections, telephone or in-person befriending, digital support, and more?
Bay Volunteers needs volunteers to take up either regular or one-off missions that you can pick and choose, carrying them out when and as often as it suits and fits in with you in a given week to support vulnerable members of our communities. Missions are made available to volunteers on a mobile app and website which is very easy to use, so 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.
Urgent and Emergency Care Across Lancashire & South Cumbria
Volunteers wanted! Help shape the future of urgent and emergency care in Lancashire and South Cumbria. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) seeks 3-4 enthusiastic individuals to join a pivotal meeting, kickstarting the redesign of their approach to urgent and emergency care. With support from ECIST, they are developing a comprehensive five-year UEC strategy, an ongoing improvement program, and enhanced governance arrangements. As a crucial first step, they will be hosting a co-produced design day workshop on Wednesday, July 26 (location TBD, potentially online or in-person). They are welcoming input from both healthcare experts and patients who have firsthand experience with these services. To get involved, email Barbara McKeowen, UEC senior strategy manager, at [email protected] or Stephanie Gregory, UEC strategy manager, at [email protected]. Help shape a brighter future for urgent and emergency care in our region.
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CGL Lancashire Hidden in Plain Sight Alcohol Awareness Campaign
CGL Lancashire have been involved in a campaign, “Hidden in Plain Sight,” which brings together a group of passionate volunteers who have personally experienced the effects of alcohol without fully realizing its impact on themselves and their loved ones. Currently 82% of the Lancashire population with alcohol problems are untreated, this is largely down to the stigma attached to accessing support from services such as Inspire. The purpose of the campaign was to speak to people who are under-represented in their services due to the stigma and shame that they face and to try and empower them to get the help they deserve. The centre piece of the campaign is a thought-provoking short film created in collaboration with their dedicated volunteers. This powerful film was premiered at Vue Cinema in Preston last week, perfectly aligned with Alcohol Awareness Week. Through captivating storytelling and personal narratives, the film will shed light on the hidden harm caused by alcohol and the importance of seeking support.
Watch the Hidden In Plain Sight documentary here
Listen to the spoken word piece by their amazing volunteers wrote and performed
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Phoenix Takes Flight Community Wellbeing Research Project
You are invited to make meaningful impact with community wellbeing through the Phoenix Takes Flight (PTF) research project. Their goal is to address health inequalities in Northwest England by leveraging the insights and experiences of individuals who engage in community wellbeing activities. The project leaders are eager to hear from you and learn about your personal journey with these activities. Your valuable input will help them understand the challenges you faced, what worked well, and areas that could be improved. You have the option to participate in a one-to-one interview, which will last approximately an hour, or join a dynamic focus group discussion spanning 2-3 hours. Moreover, there will be exciting opportunities to engage in workshops and larger group conversations in the future. Your involvement can truly make a difference in shaping a healthier and more equitable community. For your participation in the project, the research team are offering payment for your valuable time for both one on one and/or group conversation.
Learn more about the project and get involved
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Rookhow Retreat Next Application Deadline
Calling all mental health groups and practitioners in the Lancaster District! Rookhow’s Retreat, a Quaker charity nestled in the tranquil Rusland Valley, offers a serene escape just 15 minutes from Ulverston. The retreat includes a 16-bed bunkbarn, a historic Meeting House for group activities, a cozy yurt in the woods, and two campfire spots amidst 12 acres of enchanting oak woodland. Through their Retreat Away Fund, Rookhow provide subsidies for residentials and therapeutic work with individuals facing mental health challenges. They have supported over 400 people from 30 groups, including refugees, LGBTQ+ youth, trauma survivors, and families on low incomes. The next application deadline is October 1st, 2023. The fund covers part or all of your accommodation costs (minimum 2-night stay) and grants exclusive access to our facilities.
Please visit www.rookhow.org.uk for more information and to complete the application form.
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Campaign to End Loneliness – The State of Loneliness 2023
The Campaign to End Loneliness worked with Dr Heather McClelland of the University of Glasgow to analyse Office for National Statistics data on loneliness from their Opinions and Lifestyle Survey (OLS) between March 2020 and January 2023.
Their new report explains how the period during and after the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened chronic loneliness among different parts of the population, and explains what the Campaign intends to do next.
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GSK Impact Awards
The GSK IMPACT Awards provide funding, training and development for charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health and wellbeing.
The awards are funded by GSK and managed in partnership with The King’s Fund. They are open to registered charities that are at least three years old, working in a health-related field in the UK, with a total annual income of between £150,000 and £3 million.
Up to ten winners will receive £40,000 in unrestricted funding, with up to five runners-up receiving £4,000. Award winners receive a whole host of additional benefits including training and development, publicity, and national recognition at a high-profile awards ceremony.
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New way to access mental health services across Lancaster, Morecambe and South Cumbria
Residents from across Lancaster, Morecambe and South Cumbria who need to access mental health help and support are now able to via one number, 24 hours a day.
LSCFT have launched a new service access through a freephone number – 0800 013 0710 – so that everyone will be able to easily access urgent or general mental health support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The new approach to accessing mental health services is managed within a call centre setting, based at East Barn, Lancaster and is made up of a team of call handlers and mental health practitioners who take calls and manage referrals from patients, service users, families, carers and professionals, aiming to ensure callers are connected to the right professional in a timely manner.
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The Bay Craft Challenge
Calling all crafters! The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery is asking people to knit or crochet sea creatures to contribute to a window display for National Marine Week at their Community Hub in the Arndale Shopping Centre. Crafting is great for your mental health! It can aid relaxation, thereby helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Learning a new craft skill and being productive also supports self-esteem building.
They have taken inspiration from Kent Wildlife Trust’s Watery Woolly World – They have lots of fabulous free knitting and crochet patterns here.
National Marine Week runs from the 23rd of July to the 7th of August – keep an eye out for their events pages to find out about other ways to celebrate them.
View their event e-poster here
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The Circuit – National Defibrillator Network
The moment someone has a cardiac arrest, the clock starts ticking. Every minute without CPR and defibrillation reduces their chances of survival. But many defibrillators are never used because emergency services don’t know where they are or how to access them. The Circuit – the national defibrillator network, provides the NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives.
If you have a defibrillator in your premises, make sure it’s registered by visiting https://www.thecircuit.uk/
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5th Annual Bay 5K Recovery Run
Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Bay 5K Recovery Run event presented by The Well Communities on September 9th, 2023. Lace up your running shoes and join The Well Communities for a memorable day filled with community, wellness, and a whole lot of fun. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just starting your fitness journey, this event is for everyone. This will be a 9-week training programme by Morecambe Community Runners. The idea is within 9 weeks to get you off the couch and build your stamina to hit 5k. The Bay 5K Recovery Run is not just about physical fitness—it’s about promoting mental well-being and embracing the power of recovery.
There are two session per week, Tuesday and Thursdays. The firsst session starts on Tuesday 11th July at 6.30pm meeting at the Morecambe Battery.
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The Lancaster District Directory – NEW IN!
The Lancaster District Directory is a comprehensive resource offering information and listings related to various health and wellbeing services, organizations, and community initiatives in Lancaster and the surrounding areas.
The Lancaster District CVS Health & Wellbeing Directory has some exciting new updated content…
Visit the following links for NEW Items:
Lancaster Men’s Hub
Lancaster & Morecambe u3a
The Well Communities – New You service
Young Carers service
Home Improvement Service – Lancaster City Council
Healthwatch Lancashire
Mainspring Arts
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The Well Carers Support Group
The Well is a not-for-profit community and offer a range of services available 24 hrs a day 365 days a year. Support is entirely free and is provided by staff and volunteers with personal experience of addiction. They are also there for people with mental health issues, offending behaviour, childhood trauma, learning difficulties, domestic abuse and homelessness. The Well have called upon people struggling with addiction or if you have a loved one struggling with this issue to get in touch for support in understanding addiction and learning how to let go. Feel free to email Jonny and Janice at [email protected] and visit The Well Communities site using the link below for an insight into what the organisation is all about.
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Smear Tests
Ladies, taking care of your health is a powerful act of self-love and empowerment. One crucial step in prioritizing your well-being is getting regular smear tests. This simple yet significant screening can detect early signs of cervical cancer and other potential abnormalities, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. By scheduling your smear test, you’re actively taking control of your reproductive health and ensuring that you have the best chance of maintaining a vibrant and fulfilling life.
Remember, your health matters, and investing a short amount of time for this essential examination can have a lasting impact. Take the initiative, be proactive, and encourage other women around you to do the same. The Bay Medical Group are inviting you to drop-in to a clinic for a test, no appointments are needed. You can also find out more about the test. Appointments are also available in the NHS app.
Date & time: Tuesday 25th July, 5-8pm
Location: West End Surgery
View their campaign poster here
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Fourth annual report on Tackling Loneliness Strategy published
This year marks five years since DCMS published the world’s first government strategy developed to tackle loneliness. The fourth annual report celebrates the work the Department has undertaken with a wide range of partners to raise awareness of loneliness and improve the support for lonely people in England since 2018. It also captures over 60 new and ongoing actions that government departments are committed to delivering between 2023-2025.
Find out more about the Tackling Loneliness Strategy.
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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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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.
NHS Support Young People to be Body Positive Webinars
The NHS are introducing a series of transformative webinars designed to empower and support young individuals on their journey towards body positivity. The series explores all that their new resource has to offer to support young people with disordered eating and body image. Through expert-led webinars, they aim to provide invaluable tools, insights, and guidance to help young people develop a healthy relationship with their bodies. From understanding media influences to cultivating self-love and resilience, the Be Body Positive webinars offer a comprehensive approach to body positivity. Sign up to become part of a safe and inclusive space, where individuals can learn, grow, and celebrate their bodies.
Read more about the NHS Be Body Positive Campaign
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Family Fun Summer Events
There is lots going on over the summer for families and young people. View the latest What’s On Guide Poster for the Children and Family Wellbeing Service, along with information about their Fun Days taking place over August. All groups/activities are totally free to attend.
Summer Fun Days 2023
Explore it! Dinosaur Hunt and creative activities
Experience it by the Sea Punch & Judy, arts and crafts and more
Move it! A mix of activities from welly wanging to face painting to archery
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Youth Work Training Needs Analysis Questionnaire
Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation is aiming to assess the need for youth work training (at all levels) across the district. If your organisation employs youth workers (or has ambitions to), we would appreciate your support in completing the questionnaire below. The form should take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete. The results of the survey will help to gain an understanding of the need for youth work training and the barriers to accessing training across the district, which will help to inform the priorities of the YPF (Young People’s Foundation) moving forwards.
Please complete the form by Friday 21st July.
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Confucius Institute Summer School
The Confucius Institute (Chinese Centre) at Lancaster University is offering a summer school for children for up to five days of the holiday aimed at children aged 6 to 11. The school will run from 9.30am to 3.30pm on weeks commencing Monday 31st July and Monday 7th August. It’s £50 for the week/£10 per day. 15 places are available per day so it is best to book early, but as of Monday (26th June) we were told there were still places available. Children will learn about Chinese culture through arts and craft, and language-learning. No prior knowledge or familiarity with Chinese culture is required. Children should bring a packed lunch.
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Summer Playschemes for children aged 8-11 in the Lancaster District
This year Sport Works and Smart Body Sports are working with Lancaster City Council to deliver the summer playschemes across the district. These are available for children aged 8-11 years and consists of range of sport, arts and recreational activities.
Playschemes are running at the following locations:
Christ Church Primary School Carnforth 24th July – 18th August 2023 10am -2pm
Willow Lane Primary School Lancaster 31st July – 25th August 2023 10am-2pm
Morecambe Bay Primary School Morecambe 24th July- 18th August 2023 10am-4pm
For further information and to book onto the programmes please visit the links below
Smart Body Sport- Morecambe Bay Primary School
Book Online | Smart Body Sports
Sport Works – Christ Church Primary School Carnforth & Willow Lane Primary school Lancaster
https://bookwhen.com/sportworksnorthwest
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Step Into Work Programme
LDCVS is working in partnership with Morecambe Bay Trust to offer local young people (aged 18-24) and not in work or training a chance to attend our Step Into Work programme. The programme will begin with participants attending three days (from 10-2pm) of employability skills at More Lane Mills. This will be followed by a three week working placement at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary.
Working placements will be available in the following areas: health care, catering, domestics, portering, administration, estates and facilities and carpark supervision. Admin for the programme will need to be completed on 10th July. The programme has provisionally been arranged to begin on the 11th September 2023. All young people will be guaranteed a mock interview with Morecambe Bay Trust at the end of the programme.
For more information and to book a place please email [email protected]
Honey Bee Information Day at the Judges Lodgings
We are buzzing with excitement to join the Lancaster Bee Keepers at the Judges Lodgings on Sunday 27th August, 11am – 3.30pm for their information day. You’ll get the chance to experience the observation hive and meet beekeepers with all the details you need to make your garden insect friendly. There will also be a range of crafts, games, honey tasting and a Bee Book Corner. Come along on the day for a fantastic family day out.
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Closing Loops: Share the Harvest
This September discover the joy of sharing the harvest with Food Futures. Get involved with Closing Loops Share the Harvest and join a wonderful initiative that celebrates the abundance of fresh, local produce. By connecting growers and consumers, Share the Harvest promotes a sustainable and resilient food system. Join in with a local gleaning event, a workshop on juicing, cooking and preserving fruit or by hosting a glean in your garden, orchard or farm. Whether you have surplus crops from your garden or are looking for locally sourced ingredients, this platform is the perfect place to share, exchange, and connect. Embrace the spirit of community, reduce food waste, and support local growers by participating in Share the Harvest.
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Friends of Lancaster Judges’ Lodgings Chamber Concert
Enjoy a summer evening of chamber music live in the Dining Room at Judges’ Lodgings, supporting the Friends of Lancaster Judges’ Lodgings. The concert will be followed by refreshments.
16 July, 6:30pm, Judges’ Lodgings
Find out more and book tickets
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The Mayor of Lancaster’s Charity Quiz Night
Tickets are now on sale for the Mayor’s charity quiz night to raise funds for St John’s Hospice and Morecambe RNLI.
28 July from 7pm at Lancaster Town Hall
£4 per person, maximum team size 5.
Email [email protected] to register a team.
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Health and Employability Fair
Morecambe Job Centre is holding a Health and Employability Fair at their office on Queen Street on 13 July, 10am – 12 noon.
Organisations with service users who may find it helpful to attend are invited to let them know about this opportunity. Providers in attendance will include:
- PHX Training (courses)
- Lancaster & Morecambe College (courses and apprenticeships)
- Lancaster City Council’s Community Connectors (putting people in touch with services they might need)
- Inspira National Careers Service
- Work and Health Programme
- More Positive Together (careers advice and guidance)
- Prince’s Trust
- Standguide (12 week mental health development course)
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Digital Fundraising
The Get Grants digital fundraising course will discuss the pros and cons of a variety of popular digital platforms such as social media, email marketing tools, and third party fundraising platforms, and where to focus your efforts and resources.
Attendees will gain insights, experience, and examples of digital practice to inspire and inform their planning.
19 September and 26 September 9.30am – 11.30am, online, £95
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The Curve – Free Digital Skills Training for the Third Sector
The Curve is providing free digital training for the Third Sector. It is a series for FREE 90-minute on-line workshops. The aim is to build knowledge around best digital practices, raise awareness of digital tools and ultimately help increase impact with digital. Workshops are open to anyone working or volunteering with a third sector organisation in the UK.
The workshops take place this August.
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The Islamic Burial Workshop
An Information session has been organised by Islamic Burial and Welfare Services and Lancaster University Islamic Society, supported by Lancaster City Council. The Islamic Burial will be an informative and interactive workshop with step-by-step instructions of burial preparation. The session will be led by Brother Zuper Isap and Sister Salma Banu. The workshop will cover legal requirements upon death, preparing the body for burial and rules and etiquette pertaining to post death followed by a question and answer session.
Date & time: 14 July 2023, 6.15-7.45pm
Location Fylde LT1 Lancaster University
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South African Acoustic Guitarist Tony Cox at the Gregson
Award-winning international guitar maestro, Tony Cox, is appearing for a single show at the Gregson Community and Arts Centre this July. This is a rare opportunity for local audiences to see this acoustic guitar phenomenon play his unique brand of dazzling, finger-style guitar. With dizzying playing skills, he combines African and European influences into his own inimitable style – taking audiences on a foot-tapping, heart-beating, soul-feeding journey in every show. Tony’s laid-back grooves, effortless guitar wizardry and astonishingly layered musical creations are interspersed with his wry observations, engaging warmth and playful, rib-tickling banter. If you come to one of his performances as a stranger, you will leave feeling that Tony is your new China.
Date & time: Friday 28 July 2023, 8 – 10pm
Location: Gregson Community Arts Centre, 33-35 Moorgate, Lancaster, Lancashire LA1 3PY
For more information and tickets
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Warm Welcome Support Drop in
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service run weekly wellbeing drop-in sessions for those looking for some social connectivity. Their doors are wide open for those that may need some advice and support or simply just a chat and a brew (free brews and snacks). The kids are also welcome and there are lots of toys and crafts to keep them busy. The sessions run on Wednesdays from 10.30am-11.30am at Lune Park Neighbourhood Centre.
Volunteer Coordinator – Let’s BeFriends
Let’s BeFriends are seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to assist the Project Coordinator with a focus on supervising and supporting our team of volunteers. You will provide ongoing supervision, monitoring and motivation to all befrienders having the welfare of both volunteers and beneficiaries in mind at all times. The role involves offering advice and information via face-to-face, telephone and email contact, facilitate a monthly Peer Support group where volunteers meet to share ideas, lead a monthly IT drop-in to assist befrienders who need support to complete their contact sheets and expenses claim forms and liaise with external providers to organise regular training events
Salary: 16 hours per week @ £12.98 per hour
Contract: Self-employed role with an initial 12-month contract, Flexible hours
Location: Based in the community with ability for some home working
Closing date: Tuesday 8th August 2023, 11.59pm
Interview date: Week commencing 14th August 2023
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Creative Communities Coordinator – The Dukes
The Dukes is currently recruiting for a Creative Communities Coordinator. The Creative Communities Department works closely with participants of all ages and ability across the city and beyond – from drama workshops for young people to Prime Time, work placements and creative sessions for young carers. The role is to provide The Dukes Creative Communities department and to project manage, deliver, and lead creative engagement programmes. Support the Head of Creative Communities to ensure the department is proactive and delivering the goals of the organisation.
Salary: £20-25K
Contract: Part time, permanent
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: Friday 21st July 2023
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Roles with CancerCare North Lancashire
Therapy Services Coordinator – CancerCare
CancerCare are looking for a caring, compassionate multitasker to join their Therapy Coordination Team. TCT are the first port of call for people affected by cancer and bereavement and are seeking holistic support. No two days will be the same but a typical one could see you involved in responding to enquiries and providing information on all aspects of CancerCare services by phone, email and in person. You will also be expected to understake other duties such as gathering initial referral information to assess the appropriateness of our services.
Salary: £17,160
Contract: 30 hours per week
Location: Slynesdales, Lancaster with occasional travel to Kendal, Morecambe and Barrow
Closing Date: Wednesday 2nd August
Find out more and apply
Fundraiser: North Lancashire at CancerCare (Temporary)
Are you energetic, imaginative and looking for a fun new job raising money for one of the region’s most forward-thinking charities? If so, don’t miss this exciting opportunity to play a key role in helping CancerCare generate and grow their income through community fundraising activities and events across North Lancashire. This year marks CancerCare’s 40th anniversary and the last four decades have seen them provide support for tens of thousands of local people coping with cancer and bereavement which can only be done thanks to the enthusiasm and proactivity of the fundraising team.
Salary: £12.39 per hour plus benefits
Contract:16 hours (flexible working hours in line with the job description, and will include some weekend and/or evening work), based on a temporary contract until 22nd December 2023
Location: Based at the Slynedales Centre with travel around the allocated geographical area
Closing Date: Tuesday 1st August 2023
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Consulting & Innovations Manager at the Bendrigg Trust
The job holder will have responsibility for designing, organising, promoting and delivering a range of high-quality training courses and consulting offers in the field of disability awareness and inclusion for staff and volunteers in client organisations.
Salary: £31,677 – £36,927
Contract: Permanent
Location: Kendal
Closing Date: 17 July
Interviews: 25 July
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Project Coordinator and Place Coordinator at Lancashire Association for Community Voluntary Services
The roles are crucial to helping LACVS, its members and the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprises (VCFSE Sector), who our member CVSs support to develop activities and secure resources to deliver the Lancashire VCFSE Manifesto – which has been developed by the VCFSE Sector to help local communities across Lancashire.
The successful candidates, you will work alongside the staff of the local CVS’s, Volunteer Centres, Lancashire BME Network and other local networks to build collaborations and partnerships that have a lasting social, economic and environmental impact on local communities across Lancashire.
Project Coordinator
Salary: £23,870 per annum
Contract: 30 hours week
Location: Post based in Preston, working across Lancashire
Place Coordinator
Salary: £18,476 per annum
Contract: 25 hours week
Location: Working across Lancashire
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Birchall Vacancies
Birchall, an organisation offering support to anyone aged 4 or above who has been affected by rape, sexual and domestic abuse or sexual violence in Cumbria and Lancashire are currently looking to fill two vacancies:
Community Engagement Officer
This new role to Birchall is focused on engaging, helping and providing opportunities for those who have experienced rape, sexual and domestic abuse to help them overcome social isolation and loneliness. A couple of responsibilities included in this role will be to facilitate the groups working with people with lived experience to design and deliver activities within the community and take responsibility for advertising and marketing, promoting and raising awareness and making sure that local agencies are aware of the services.
Salary: £23,000 pro rata. Actual salary £13,800
Contract: 22.5 hours 2-year fixed term, extension subject to funding
Location: Post based in Morecambe
Closing Date: Ongoing
For more information and to apply
Volunteer Coordinator
A new role at Birchall, this will involve making sure that the roles of volunteers are understood, valued and recognised across the organisation and also ensure that other opportunities for volunteers are identified and created. You will also liaise with partners and stakeholders, attend volunteering fairs, contribute to newsletter updates, national awareness weeks and social media.
Salary: 23,000 pro rata, Actual salary £13,000
Contract: 22.5 hours
Location: Flexible-with travel across locations
Closing Date: Ongoing
For more information and to apply
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Project Coordinator, Adult Projects at Lancashire Mind
Lancashire Mind are looking for a passionate, hardworking and innovative individual to work as a Project Coordinator within our Adult Projects team. The role will be flexible to support a busy but small team to deliver mental health and wellbeing services to adults in Lancashire.
Salary: FTE £24,423.36 per annum (pro-rata) pay award pending
Contract: 28 hours per week, 12 months fixed term contract with the possibility of extension, subject to funding
Location: Chorley, Lancashire (Hybrid)
Closing date: 12 July 2023 at 12:00
Interview date: Thursday 20th July 2023
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]
