Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 17 May 2024

We Asked, You Said: FestiVOL 2024
Thank you to everyone who answered our question about the organisations, projects and areas of voluntary sector activity you want to see highlighted at this year’s celebration of the voluntary sector. We’ll use them as inspiration to help plan this year’s event.

There’s plenty of time to go until November, so feel free to continue adding your suggestions.

–

Eden Project Morecambe Update Event 
Lancaster District CVS are delighted to invite you to an update event on the Eden Project Morecambe, specifically focused on the exciting developments and opportunities relevant to the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector. 

Date: Wednesday 3rd July 2024 
Time: 10-12 noon. Doors open from 9.30am 
Location: The Rainbow Centre, Clarence Street, Town Centre, Morecambe LA4 5EX

Book your free ticket  

About the Event
This event will provide an opportunity for VCFSE organisations to learn about the Eden Project’s latest initiatives and explore potential areas of collaboration. We are delighted to have in attendance, Si Bellamey, Chief Transformation Officer and Tracey Robbins, UK Delivery Manager for the Eden Project Communities. Si and Tracey will present on the progress of Eden Project Morecambe, their vision and objectives for the district and our communities. This event will also be an opportunity to ask questions followed by networking.  

By attending this event, you will: 

• Gain valuable insights into the Eden Project’s work and their ambitions to work with VCFSE 
• Learn more about the Eden Project Community work strand and how to get involved. 
• Network with other VCFSE organisations and Eden Project representatives. 

To book your place on this event, register at Trybooking. Space are limited therefore booking is essential.  

We look forward to welcoming you to this informative event.

–

Volunteer Recruitment Event – Friday 7 June 2024

To achieve our strategic aims of connecting and championing the voluntary sector, LDCVS continually develops our understanding of your activities, challenges, priorities and ambitions.

We do this so that we can support and represent you and your communities, generate evidence that can be used to create partnerships and argue for funding, and justify local granting activity which meets our collective priorities.

In 2023 we celebrated 50 years of LDCVS and the work of community organisations in the Lancaster district. We continued to share and celebrate your achievements when we gathered at More Music for FestiVOL 2023.

We also discuss issues in other settings including the VCFSE Leadership Forum and CEO Networking Group, the Children & Young People Multi-Agency Forum, training workshops and Swop Shops. We’re going to be working to gather knowledge and report on our learning from these in more detail.

Starting this week, we’re also going to try a different way of collecting information about what our sector is experiencing and planning. In every second edition of our weekly Bulletin we’ll be asking a question, which everyone receiving the email is welcome to answer.

We’ll ask you about big issues like education, jobs, health, housing and the environment, however our questions might also relate to your own feelings, thoughts and ideas.

Answers will be anonymous, and we know your time is precious so it should only take a few moments to provide your response.

Afterwards, we’ll use the Bulletin and a new section on our website to report on what our sector is saying.

To get you started with something we hope will be easy, we want to think about having fun! FestiVOL 2024 – our annual celebration of the voluntary sector – will take place on 21 November at Lune Valley Methodist Hall in Caton. The event will use performances and workshops to highlight achievements and share good ideas.

Which organisations, projects, or areas of voluntary sector activity do you want to see celebrated this year?

Click here to tell us

–

Swop Shop Skill Share – Aiming for Zero Carbon
Lancaster District CVS recently hosted their quarterly Swop Swop Skill Share event at Lancashire & Morecambe College for their Aiming for Zero Carbon Workshop. Subject experts from Ardea Eco-innovation, Lancaster University, and Chamber Low Carbon provided advice on Measuring Impact, Energy & Transport, and Indirect Impact.

Attendees found the event inspiring and committed to taking actionable steps moving forward. Thank you to everyone that attended.

Additionally, Lancaster & Morecambe College is offering free events on Environmental Responsibilities, Business Responses to Environmental Challenges, Carbon Reduction Plans, and Environmental Certification.

For booking or more information, contact [email protected] or call 01524 521483.

Applications are accepted four times a year, and the upcoming deadline is 1 June, 11pm.

Apply online through the Foundation website

–

Funding to Support Contemporary Music Projects
The Hinrichsen Foundation is offering grants to charities and other organisations across the UK to support the performance of contemporary music, which may include the commissioning of new work, non-commercial recording, or 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 Trustees will occasionally provide funds for research projects that are not being conducted under the remit of an academic institution. Multi-year partnerships may also be considered.

There are typically three application deadlines per year.

The next application deadline is 31 August 2024

Learn more about the Hinrichhsen Foundation

–

Jerwood Foundation Accepting Applications for Summer 2024 Funding Round
Jerwood Foundation’s Summer funding round is now open with decisions to be announced in July 2024. They support arts organisations with projects aiming to make art accessible for the public. Grants range up to £20,000 and are awarded to projects starting between 3 to 12 months from the funding round closing date. The focus is on promoting arts for public benefit, and they do not fund individuals, educational courses, or core organisational costs.

Apply for this fund before June 14th

More information here

–

Funding to Reduce Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People Across Great Britain
Barchester Healthcare Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 to small community groups and local charities across England, Scotland, and Wales. These grants aim to combat isolation and loneliness while enhancing the quality of life for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Whether it’s funding for activities, equipment, transport, or day trips, Barchester prioritises innovative projects that promote social engagement and active living.

Applications are open year-round, so apply today!

–

Sport England Launches New £160m Movement Fund
The new £160 million, four-year Movement Fund offers grants of between £300 and £15,000, crowdfunding pledges, and resources to improve physical activity opportunities for the people and communities who need it the most across England. Priority goes to projects addressing activity gaps, with particular focus on marginalised groups. Funding can cover equipment, facilities, training, delivery costs, and emergency relief. Apply now to make a difference in your community’s health and well-being!

There are no deadlines for applications.

Further details here

–

Morrisons Foundation
The Morrisons Foundation supports charities across England, Scotland, and Wales with grants of up to £10,000 for projects addressing poverty, community improvement, and health.

They prioritise smaller charities but consider applications from larger ones as well. The foundation does not support salaries or ongoing service delivery and accepts applications year-round with no deadlines. 

Apply for funding here 

–

Save money on your energy bills with the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme 
Micro, small or medium organisations in England that are directly supporting individuals or communities with critical needs are eligible for support from the VCSE Energy Efficiency Scheme ‘future-proof’ their buildings and reduce energy bills.

There is up to £3.4m of funding available for organisations to apply for an independent energy assessment, and up to £20m of funding for capital grants of up to £150,000 to install energy efficiency measures.  

It only takes 3 minutes to check your eligibility on the Groundwork webpage. 

Applications for independent energy assessments close on Thursday 20 June  

Find out more here 

–

Steel Charitable Trust Accepting Applications for Rolling Grants Programme 
The Steel Charitable Trust is offering funding opportunities for charities, CIOs, and municipally funded museums in the UK with annual incomes exceeding £50,000. Projects across various categories like Arts and Heritage, Education, Environment, Health, and Social or Economic Disadvantage are eligible.

Health projects should focus on mental health or healthcare for older people, while social or economic disadvantage projects should target disadvantaged children or housing/homeless individuals. Funding can cover core costs, capital works, and specific projects, with grants starting at £10,000.  

The next application deadline is July 11, 2024.  

For more details on the grants programme 

–

Wellbeing of Women Launches Women’s Health Community Fund 
The Wellbeing of Women have joined forces with Holland & Barratt to form the Women’s Health Community Fund, which aims to support small, grassroots organisations in delivering health information and support to women, girls and people from underrepresented groups.

The “Just a Period” campaign will address menstrual health issues. Apply for the Women’s Health Community Fund to help projects improve education and support for women’s health. Funding up to £5000 available for projects addressing various health issues.  

Applications open until May 19, 2024.  

Visit the Wellbeing of Women website for details 

–

Funding for Cultural Projects that Promote UK and Japan Cooperation  
Grants up to £6,000 have become available for UK-Japan cultural and educational projects. Funding supports arts, science, language, and more. Priority given to Priority will be given to projects in the fields of science and technology, medicine and health, environment and social issues, Japanese studies, and the Japanese language.  

Apply by 15 September 2024. 

Learn more about this funding opportunity 

–

SPAR’s £100,000 Community Cashback Campaign 2024 Invites UK Entries 
For a third year in a row, SPAR shoppers can apply for a grant of up to £10,000 for a local voluntary or community organisation or charity they feel deserves funding. Applicants for grants are open to UK residents aged 16 years or over. All applicants need to do is share the exceptional contribution that a local organisation has made to their local community and what the grant would be used for. The grants will be given based on the strength of the applicant’s story, the recipient’s levels of dedication to their community and the credibility of what the grant would be spent on and its impact for the local community.  

Successful organisations will be announced between 20 June 2024 and 27 June 2024.  

The deadline for applications is 22 May 2024 11:59pm 

For more information and how to apply 

–

Lancaster University’s Community Benefit Fund 
Lancaster University’s wind turbine Community Benefit Fund recently celebrated its tenth anniversary – 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.  

Some examples of the recent recipients of the grant funding include Greaves Park, Stodday Picnic Area, St. Peter’s Church in Quernmore and Fairfield Nature Reserve.  Applications for the next round of funding are open now until Friday 30th June 2023.

Details on how to apply are available on their website. Here you can also find out more about the wind turbine Community Benefit Fund, and about the projects that have been supported. 

–

Eric Wright Charitable Trust 2024
Once again, Lancaster District CVS is working with the Eric Wright Charitable Trust to distribute grants of up to £500 to community organisations with an annual income below £50,000. Projects simply need to show how they can make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of any age.

Unlike previous years, there are no fixed application deadlines. Apply for funding at any time up until midnight on 31 July, and we’ll let you know the result by the middle of the following month. For example, all organisations who submit an application before midnight on 31 January will find out whether or not they have a grant in the middle of February, February applicants will find out in March, and so on until the fund is entirely allocated.

Download full guidance and apply at www.lancastercvs.org.uk/funding or to ask any questions about the fund please get in touch with Sharon Phillips by email at [email protected]

King Street Arts (Lancaster) CIC Crowdfund Project Update
King Street Arts is crowdfunding to offer free acrylic painting workshops for people with little or no art experience. The project aims to provide 8 sessions for 2 groups of 8 participants, encouraging creative expression and promoting the benefits of play. The project will culminate in a public exhibition of participants’ work. They aim to raise £8,451, with £5,292 pledged so far.

Roy and Kath at King Street Arts have provided an update on how things are going:

“We are extremely moved by the generosity and support we have received to date for this campaign to provide free opportunities for people to explore ART; and in particular the health and wellbeing benefits learning to be creative can bring into our daily lives.

We strongly believe that being able to access creative experiences can significantly contribute to improving wellbeing and self-fulfilment. Feedback and discussions with workshop participants over the years have reinforced our belief that engagement with creativity in all its forms has the potential to have a positive and life affirming impact on anyone’s life.

In our gallery at 5a King Street we have over the past 6 years regularly offered creative workshops to the public. These are offered for a fee to reflect the costs of providing a space to deliver the workshop, the materials needed, and the cost of paying the artist to prepare and deliver the sessions. For most of these workshops we (the directors) provide free support in the form of marketing and administration.

Every contribution we receive will help us to get to our goal, if you have already contributed or not in a position to please share to anyone you feel would be interested in supporting the work we do.”

For more information or to support the project click here

–

Rookhow Availability
A late cancellation has opened up an opportunity for a Summer weekend at the Rookhow Retreat. The newly renovated and energy efficient Bunkbarn has underfloor heating powered by an air source heat pump, with new toilets and showers and kitchen. The site includes 12 acres of woodland with use of the Quaker Meeting House for extra group space and the yurt for a nature-filled stay in the middle of the woods.

The available dates include 5-7 July and August Bank holiday.

Click here to secure these dates

–

The Dukes & Lancaster University – Dementia Research
The Dukes are working in partnership with a research team from Lancaster University, and are looking for people to take part in a short-term pilot project. The research title is ‘Cinema, Memory Work and Well-being in Older People’. 

If you are 65+ or are living with dementia, they would like to invite you to come and watch a free screening of The Graduate at the Dukes on 20th May, and also consider applying to take part in some research tasks prior to and following the film screening. 

Book tickets for The Graduate  

For more information view their event poster and take a read through this information sheet. 

If you would like to get more information or to speak to someone about the project, please contact: 

Dr Megan Polden 07552 645080 or [email protected]  

–

Bay Health Festival Support Request 
Bay Health Festivals are looking for support from the community to help fund their future events. From individual donations to corporate sponsorship, all contributions to their population health mission are gratefully received.  

Visit their website to find out more about how you can get involved. 

–

Community Shares Impact Report
Co-operatives UK has published the first ever Community Shares Impact Report of its community shares work. A retrospective of 2023, the report captures some of the numbers and stories from the Community Shares Unit’s activities.

The report reflects on the achievements of the Community Shares Unit, highlighting its role in supporting community investment. Co-operatives UK, along with partners Locality and Plunkett Foundation, oversees the initiative, promoting best practices, funding community share offers, and training practitioners.

In 2023, the Booster Fund, with support from Access the Foundation for Social Investment, aided numerous communities in raising investment for various projects. Key stats include support for 80 communities, 33 share offers meeting the Standard Mark, and a total of £5.24m sought through the Booster Fund.

Read more about the Community Share Impact report

–

Bee Unique National Diversity Awards Nomination
Bee Unique have been nominated for the National Diversity Awards 2024, in the Community Organisation category. They are asking anyone who has been helped their work to log in and vote as recognition in these awards could enormously help the growth of the organisation, allowing them to reach out to more SEN families.

Congratulations to Bee Unique!

Log in and vote here

–

Trauma Informed Lancashire Conference
Compassionate Lancashire Communities is hosting an event on trauma-informed community development in collaboration with Trauma Informed Lancashire and the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network. The event set to be held on 17th July aims to share best practices, research, and diverse perspectives, making connections, promoting resilience and community healing.

The event is aimed at system leaders, practitioners, lived experience professionals, community navigators, and third-sector professionals. The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel, Broughton, Preston.

Please use this link to register your interest

–

Conversations with Organisations regarding Welfare and Safeguarding 
Active Lancashire is the strategic lead for sport and physical activity in the county, who look to work in partnership and support organisations across Lancashire to get more people physically active. They have recently appointed two new County Sport Welfare Officers, who are looking to have a conversation with local clubs, community groups and welfare officers about their experiences. The objective of this is: 

• To learn more about current welfare/safeguarding practice in Lancashire 

• Share best practice 
• Develop networks  
• Plan training and events 
• Support better relationships and information sharing with Active Partnerships, CPSU, Ann Craft Trust, NGB’s and Local Authorities 
• Develop a support offer for clubs/groups/welfare officers which will raise awareness, promote and develop safer environments and cultures in physical activity spaces 

It would be great to hear from as many people as possible, so if you would be happy to have a conversation please contact Gwen and Nathan via [email protected] and they will arrange a time to speak to you. 

–

Trustees, Directors and Chair at The Gregson
The Gregson is seeking to appoint a new Chair and Trustees to the board of the Gregson Community Association, and an additional Director for the newly established Gregson Trading Ltd which manages the bar and catering.

Find out more on The Gregson’s website

–

The 2024 Lancaster Health Festival takes place on 13 and 14 July. Organisers are looking for volunteers to support the event by:

• giving out leaflets and directing people to activities
• general stewarding
• helping out on the smoothie bike

Find out more on our website

–

Become a Trustee at Lancashire Youth Challenge
LYC empower, enable, and inspire young people to make meaningful positive change in their lives and the wider community via a holistic, person centred programme of participatory activity and learning.

They now seek new trustees to join their award-winning charity, particuarly people with diverse lived experiences which can help LYC enhance networks and build meaningful relationships with organisations, donors and sponsors.

Find out more on our website

–

Community Cars Volunteer Driver
Make yourself and your vehicle available to assist members of your community get to shops, services, social activities and appointments.

Volunteer as and when you are available with additional insurance provided to cover your excess and no-claims bonus.

Find out more on our website

–

Under 18 Volunteering
We have recently had enquiries from parents and students looking for volunteering opportunities for people aged between 14 and 17. We asked registered VIOs whether they might have roles for under 18s and got a great response, so if YOU know a young person under 18 looking for a volunteering opportunity, we might be able to signpost them to something.

If your organisation has volunteering opportunities for under 18s and you haven’t already let us know, please email [email protected] with the details.

–

Befriending Volunteers
Lancaster District CVS recently produced some videos with some volunteers at Bay Volunteers to help help recruit more befrienders. You can see them at the links below. Please share them!

Steve, our communications officer, has done a magnificent job, and if we can help to get the message out far and wide about what it means to be a befriender, perhaps more people will come forward to support those in need.

View and share the Facebook post

View and share the X / Twitter post

–

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.

–

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.

Visit the guide here

–

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.

Funding Opportunity for Innovative Early Cancer Diagnosis Projects
The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria is offering funding for innovative projects aimed at improving early cancer diagnosis. Organisations across healthcare sectors are encouraged to apply for grants of up to £100,000 per project. Previous successful projects include initiatives such as self-booking for cervical screening and a pancreatic cancer toolkit.

The deadline for submissions is 5pm on Monday 24 June. For more information, contact [email protected] or [email protected]

Learn more about this funding opportunity

–

Waiting for Wellness Phase Two Report
Health Watch Lancashire have released a report of Phase Two of the “Waiting for Wellness” project which delves deeper into the mental health experiences of young people in Lancashire. It highlights barriers faced by neurodivergent youth, such as inadequate staff training and discharge without treatment. The report offers recommendations, prompting responses from key service providers.

Read the report here

–

Lancashire County Council Get Ready for Spring Campaign 2024
Spring has sprung, encouraging outdoor activities, but it’s important to be aware of health risks. Lancashire’s Health Protection Team advises on tick-borne Lyme disease, Giant Hogweed burns, and Weil’s disease from contaminated water. They also caution about infections from farm animals and hay fever symptoms.

Take a look at their information leaflet for practical tips and contacts for further information are provided.

–

Take a Moment for World Meditation Day – Free Online Session
Modern life can feel relentless and stressful. But with the right tools, we all have the potential to be healthier and happier. Take a moment to pause and reboot, by enrolling onto this free online session for World Meditation Day organised by Lancashire Adult Learning.

Date & time: 20 May 2024, 6.30pm – 8pm
Location: Online

Find out more and enrol!

–

Look after your health and wellbeing for National Learning at Work Week
Continuing to learn is one of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing. Learning at Work Week is a national campaign that celebrated continuing to learn, develop and grow. Lancashire Adult Learning are hosting this free event to learn how you can keep well at work, from making sure you move around enough during the day, to managing stress.

This is a flexible course and can be tailored to meet the needs of community groups and workplace wellbeing priorities for employers. Focusing on teaching strategies and techniques that can help adults to look after their own physical and/or mental wellbeing, the course aims to give learners the skills and knowledge to keep themselves well using a range of self-care techniques.

Date & time: Wednesday 22 May 2024, 6.30-8pm
Location: Online

Find out more about this event

–

FREE 2-Day Health Coaching Core Skills Courses
Discover a Core Skills in Health Coaching Programme, tailored for practitioners across health, care, community, and voluntary sectors. This 2-day course equips you with essential skills to integrate health coaching into your role. Accredited by the Personalised Care Institute, the programme emphasises practical tools, interactive learning, and ongoing support. Join us to enhance personalised care and empower your practice.

The 2-day courses will be delivered face to face across areas of Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Learn more about the programme
View the health coaching flyer

–

Community Conversation Disability Access Event
Take part in a online Community Conversation on Disability Access in the Lancaster district. Share your experiences and ideas for improvement regarding transport, buildings, attitudes, and environmental access which will help inform future campaigns. Choose between afternoon or evening sessions on May 23rd. The conversation is delivered by a partnership including the NHS, LDCVS, Lancaster City Council, and others. Attendance is free.

Date & time: Thu 23 May, 2 sessions either 2pm-4pm or 6.30pm-8.30pm
Location: Online

Find out more here

Read our report on the first Disability Access Community Conversation here

–

Mental Health Awareness Week 
Mental Health Awareness Week runs from the 13th to the 19th of May 2024. The theme this year is “Movement: Moving more for mental health.”

Moving more can increase your energy, reduce stress and anxiety and boost your self-esteem. This is just one of the fascinating facts you will learn if you take this PAC certified Mental Health First Aid Course. The course takes place live and online. If you live, work, study or volunteer within the Lancashire County Council border then the places are free!  

The course will cover youth and adult mental health, suicide alertness and suicide intervention skills training. There are just a couple of places left on the first course in June and the course is also taking place in July with places already filling up.  

Please complete this form to book a place and return it to [email protected] to reserve a place.    

Course 1 Time and Dates: June the 3rd, 4th,6th and 7th from 12:30pm –4:30pm  
Course 2 Time and Dates: July the 1st, 2nd,4th and 5th from 9am-12:30pm 

–

Phoenix Takes Flight Report Feedback Meeting  
The Phoenix Takes Flight research team (Lancaster University) and report writers (Sue Flowers from Green Close Studios & Jenny Reddell from Lancaster District CVS) will take you through the final report, presenting the recommendations and giving people a chance to ask questions and find out more.  

Date: Friday 24 May 2024 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM   
Location: Online event access details will be provided by the event organiser  

Book your free ticket here

–

Walk with a Dog – Adullam 
If you fancy venturing outdoors now the weather has turned warmer, Adullam welcome you to their “Walk with a Dog” group. They meet at 2pm on Tuesdays at the Millennium Bridge for a nearby walk and the chance to appreciate the beautiful and varied surroundings in Lancaster. Along with the walk, they offer a short discussion on a health-related topic. For the remaining hour, you can enjoy chatting with the walk leaders and other walkers.  

For more information you can also contact them at [email protected] or call 07449373979 / 07861 653978 

Find out more about Adullam  

–

Ways to get involved with Loneliness Awareness Week  
Loneliness Awareness Week is coming up from 10 – 16 June, and DCMS welcomes you to get involved by sharing the Department’s loneliness campaign across your channels.

Loneliness Awareness Week is an annual campaign organised by Marmalade Trust to raise awareness of loneliness. This year’s theme, ‘Random Acts of Connection’, encourages everyday moments of connection to help us feel happier and increase a sense of belonging. Research shows that feelings of loneliness are most prevalent among young people.

The DCMS Better Health – Every Mind Matters loneliness campaign aims to normalise loneliness so that 16 – 24 year olds know that it is OK to feel lonely sometimes, and feel able to speak to someone if they do feel lonely, building a national conversation. 

Find out more here 

–

MS Society Awareness
The MS Society is collaborating with partners in Lancaster and the Bay area to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) and available services. With an estimated 600 individuals affected in the area, the focus is on enhancing support for those living with MS and their caregivers.

Plans include identifying local services, offering awareness sessions, and reestablishing the local MS Society group. For more information on supporting people with MS, contact Paul Smithson at [email protected]

–

Venus Revisited Sessions
King Street Arts Lancaster are back with a series of empowering free workshops celebrating the form and nature of women and their self-image.

Venus Revisited provides workshops for menopausal or postmenopausal women of all ages in a supportive environment where participants will learn new skills and get creative with clay modelling , drawing and creative writing mentorship to express their journey. The project has 16 places in total with 8 in the Morecambe group, and 8 in the Lancaster group.

Artwork will be showcased in public exhibitions at Morecambe Library and The Storey, alongside a free publication featuring your project work. By sharing your story, you’ll spark important conversations about menopause, challenge societal beauty norms, and increase visibility for postmenopausal women.

If you would like more information about the project or have any questions, please contact Kath McDonald on 077499 32899 or email [email protected]

The Cornerstone, Lancaster
Date and times: Wednesdays 6.30-9pm | June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th | July 3rd & 10th

Morecambe Library, Morecambe
Date and times: Thursdays 2-4.30pm | June 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th | July 4th & 11th

View the Venus Revisited poster here

–

Trauma Informed Lancashire Conference
Compassionate Lancashire Communities is hosting an event on trauma-informed community development in collaboration with Trauma Informed Lancashire and the Lancashire Violence Reduction Network.

The event set to be held on 17th July at the Marriott Hotel, Broughton, aims to share best practices, research, and diverse perspectives, making connections, promoting resilience and community healing. It is aimed at system leaders, practitioners, lived experience professionals, community navigators, and third-sector professionals.

Please use this link to register your interest

Family Hubs Coffee & Connect
The online coffee afternoon for parents and carers takes place every Thursday afternoon from 1pm, providing information and adivce, access to help from the Children & Family Wellbeing Service and signposting to local agencies as well as peer support opportunities.

Email [email protected] to get the Teams link.

–

Volunteering opportunities for young people under 18
A number of organisations have indicated that they will consider offering volunteering opportunities to people under 18. You can contact CVS or the organisation directly for more information.

Police Cadet recruitment opened in April, ages 13 to 17.

Marsh Community Centre has a food club that they need volunteers for, Thursdays 10am til 1pm.

The Centre@Halton can possibly offer a couple of hours on either a Saturday or Sunday in the Coffee Shop (open 10am to 5pm) helping to take orders, prepare drinks and snacks.

The Salvation Army charity shop in Carnforth offers volunteering roles to 14 and 15 year olds specifically to support DofE completion, offering different hours on Saturdays and Sundays depending on whether it’s bronze or silver.

The Global Village Cafe have said that they’re open to under 18s taking part, but there is no regular schedule/opportunity. Keep an eye on their website – and contacting around the times when events are coming up.

St Johns Hospice take volunteers for their shops from age 14 upwards.

Ryelands Junior Park Run have said that they can offer various roles for people under 18 to help towards the DofE award.

West Lancashire Scouts (they cover the whole of this side of Lancashire) have roles for younger people as part of their young leaders work.

The YMCA charity shop in Lancaster is happy to take a 15 year old volunteer, however some paperwork will need to be completed by parent/guardian beforehand though. The role is not customer-facing and is mainly sorting/tagging stock (mostly clothing) and tidying the shop.

Claver Hill is a food growing project in Lancaster and they will take people under 18 but only if they are accompanied by an adult.

The NHS has a work placement scheme. It is for people aged 16 and above only and people can check out the ‘placements’ section here. Their next recruitment window has just opened in May.

Please do contact [email protected] if you would like to add your organisation to this growing list.

–

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award with Escape2Make
E2M are offering young people the opportunity to gain their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award complete free, with everything they require for the award offered through E2M’s clubs. There are five spaces left in the 2024/5 cohort, with the overnight expedition taking place over 22/23 July at Gathering Fields.

Find out more and sign up here

–

More Music Sessions
Sing it Out
More Music invites 11-18-year-olds to find their voice at Sing It Out! sessions. Led by Emma Williams and Ash Murphy, these Wednesday sessions from 5 pm to 7 pm offer a safe space for singing, promoting positive mental health. No experience is required, making it perfect for those managing social anxieties or seeking to connect with peers. Admission is free, and inquiries can be directed to [email protected].

Time and Date: Running from April 29th to June 28th, with a half-term break from May 27th to May 31st. 5-7pm, every Wednesday
Location: More Music, 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT
Price: FREE 

Find out more here

More Media Collective
An exciting opportunity is being presented by More Media Collective for young people to join their team for a yearlong exploration into climate change. It will give them both a voice to shape their future and early career opportunities. Being part of the team will mean expanding knowledge of environmental issues, helping develop a new festival along with hands on experience of the live events industry, developing leadership and organisational skills and more!

To find out more and sign up please email: [email protected]  

Time and Date: 5-7pm, every Wednesday
Location: More Music, 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT
Price: £3 (Suggested fee) 

Stages
This is a weekly session on Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm, catering to 11-18-year-olds at a cost of £3. Whether you’re interested in learning drums, guitar, or joining a band, refining production skills, or seeking rehearsal space and gig opportunities, Stages has you covered. Led by an experienced team, the session supports musicians at all levels and across various genres. Contact [email protected] for details.

Learn more about Stages

Bay Youth Voices
Bay Youth Voices is a vocal group tailored for 6-12-year-olds who love to sing or want to start. Led by Leroy Lupton, the sessions focus on singing favorite songs, learning harmony, and performing as a group. No prior experience or music reading skills required. For more information, contact Rachel Parsons at [email protected] or call 01524 831997. Sessions take place on Fridays from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm at More Music. Tickets cost £1 per session.

Learn more about Bay Youth Voices

–

Work Experience – Can You Help? 
Our Lady’s Catholic College are looking for your help with Work Experience placements. Placements provide students with a chance to experience life at work for a week, discover working with new people and develop their confidence and aspirations.

The work experience programme is administrated through Unifrog, which helps to complete and record placement details, insurance requirements, and safeguarding information.

Dates: Year 12 – 17th to 21st of June. Year 10 – 8th to 12th of July

If you can help, please contact: [email protected] 

–

Exciting Opportunity for Young Leaders in the West End of Morecambe
Are you a young person aged 15-18 in the West End area of Morecambe? Do you want to make a difference in mental health support for your community? Take part in designing and delivering a grants program worth £20,000 to support mental health initiatives in the West End. Gain valuable experience, receive training, and make a real impact! Each participant will also receive a £100 voucher.

Funded by West End Big Local and facilitated by LDCVS. Contact [email protected] or call 01524 555900 to learn more.

–

Aspiring Leaders Programme
Recruitment for the Aspiring Leaders Programme is now open. This is a bespoke 95% funded undergraduate degree which has been created by local organisations (Cumbria & Lancaster District) to support the development of leaders within our voluntary and community sector.

Led by Brathay Trust and a local university, ALP combines academic teaching with experiential learning and mentoring, culminating in a Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship.

See the programme’s promotional leaflet
Find out more and apply

–

Kooth Webinars – Supporting the Mental Health of Young People
Webinars for education staff
Kooth are offering short webinars for education staff and professionals working with young people, to highlight how Kooth can prevent mental health issues escalating with young people.

Kooth offers free anonymous counselling without the usual wait times, as well as moderated peer support and self- help tools. The session will also make you aware of how you can access free printed and digital resources.

Thurs 30th May – 3:30 – 4:00pm

If you would like to register please email [email protected], to receive the teams link and for any questions (recording available on request).

Pre- SAT’s Webinars – Year 6 pupils
Kooth webinars will be offered to year 6 classes, ahead of the SAT’s on the dates below. These are to promote Kooth as a resource to manage stress and anxiety with young people ahead of SAT’s.

Please select a date to attend below and request a link by emailing [email protected]. 

Managing exam stress sessions for students (Secondary & College)
Kooth will be presenting some short webinars to support students with stress and anxiety ahead of their exams. It will provide young people with an overview of the pathway of support on offer on the Kooth platform.

The times and dates of the webinars are below, please email [email protected] with the date of your choice to request a teams link (recordings available).

• Friday 17th May 9:30 – 10:00
• Friday 17th May 1:30 – 2:00

–

Children & Family Wellbeing Service What’s On April – June
Lancashire County Council’s Children & Family Wellbeing Service have published their schedule of activities taking place in their centres at Lune Park Hub, Poulton Neighbourhood Centre, Westgate Neighbourhood Centre, and Carnforth Hub throughout April, May and June.

Download the guide here

–

Blue Influencers Scheme
Developed by UK-wide educational charity The Ernest Cook Trust, the Blue Influencers Scheme is a three-year initiative that focuses on reconnecting young people aged 10-14 to their blue spaces.

It will support young people from underserved communities and those living in deprived coastal, estuary and riverside locations, by empowering them to act on environmental issues.

There are now Blue Mentors in post at Global Link and Morecambe Bay Partnership who are seeking to work with groups of young people (target age 10-14 years-olds) on environmental social action projects.

If you are a school (primary and secondary), community space, charitable organisation, or know of a group of passionate young people, contact Ant at Global Link ([email protected] or 07717 655515) or Lauren at Morecambe Bay Partnership ([email protected] or 07505 962212)

–

Lancashire Youth Challenge Programmes
Time To Breathe
This is a 14-week programme for 13–19-year-olds aimed at giving young people opportunities to be in nature and develop life skills to better manage their emotional health and well-being.

For more information and to sign up, please email Sam Duckles, the LYC Project Coordinator at [email protected]

Time and Date: Mondays starting the 13th of May 2024 from 5-7pm
Location: The Cornerstone, Lancaster, LA1 1PX

Learn more about this programme

Restore with Empire Fighting Chance
Are you aged 16-24 and ready to step up, feel the fear and take on a personal challenge? The sig up to a FREE action packed 10-week boxing programme which aims to build confidence and personal resilience!

Working with Lancashire Youth Challenge and Morecambe Football Club Community Sports, you will gain a sense of personal achievement and increase the ability to better manage your emotional and physical wellbeing, through non-contact boxing training.

For more information and to sign up, please email Sam Duckles, the LYC Project Coordinator at [email protected]

Time and Date: Wednesdays starting the 15th of May 2024 from 5-7pm
Location: Morecambe Football Club, LA4 4TB

Download the young people’s support referral form here

–

Young Minds Resources & Advice
Young Minds provides help and advice for young people and parents who are struggling with mental health issues.  The charity helps adults to be the best support they can be to the young people in their lives and give young people the space and confidence to get their voices heard and change the world we live in.

Young Minds provide a range of free resources and training for those working with young people. Young Minds’ in-house training brings their uniquely immersive mental health and participation training to organisations, and their service design consultancy supports you to commission, design and improve mental health support across a broad range of sectors.

Explore the resources available at Young Minds

–

Banks Lyon Memorial Trust Step Up Fund
This fund will help individual young people living in Lancaster District in the age range 16-24 facing social and/or financial barriers to accessing education, training or employment with the aim of helping the young person into employment.

The grants to young people can be spent on anything which will help the young person progress on the route to employment. The maximum spend on any one individual is £250.

For more information, please contact [email protected]

–

Pollinators Transition Game: Free workshop for beekeepers, gardeners and friends of pollinators
Ishara Press CIC is inviting you to a free workshop where you will create a game with us in support of bees and other pollinators.

This board game will be an educational, multi-actor simulation that helps people imagine a transition towards a better situation for pollinators in our area. A facilitator will lead you through the process of creating our own authentically local game.

You can sign up for the morning session (10am-1pm) or the afternoon session (1:30-4:30pm). Free lunch and tea/coffee provided for both sessions.

18 May 2024 at RSPB Leighton Moss in Silverdale.

Find out more and book

–

Lancashire Youth Climate Conference
LancsCAN is hosting the Lancashire Youth Climate Conference for 16-19 year olds on October 30, 2024, at Blackpool Sixth Form College. The event aims to engage youth in climate action, inform about sustainability opportunities, boost confidence, and generate ideas for community projects.

With collaboration from professionals and academics, the conference offers expert inputs, hands-on sessions, and discussions to empower young agents of change. The Conference Steering Group are now starting to work on the detail of the event programme.

Organisers are keen to hear from any offers of sponsorship for the event from companies and other organisations who are keen to support youth-focused climate action.

Please contact Jon McLeod [email protected]  LancsCAN Community Lead for Schools and Youth, about the above and any other aspect of the event.

Find out more about this event

–

Second Lancashire Community Climate Action Forum
LancsCAN is organising the Lancashire Community Climate Action Forum, bringing together members, council representatives, and business leaders to discuss climate projects and support for community groups.

Workshops and discussions will focus on key areas like energy, food, and transport. The event aims to develop collaboration towards climate action. The organisers are hoping to have around the same number of people attending (around 160) as they did for the first Forum held last year that helped establish the network.

To register and book your place go to this Eventbrite page. All are welcome. If you have any questions, contact event leader Naomi Robinson at [email protected]

Date: 6 June 2024, 9am-5pm
Location:  UCLan campus, Preston

Click here for more about this event

–

Nature Recovery Strategy Survey
Following up on recent workshops and other events relating to Lancashire’s Nature Recovery Strategy, the County Council has now opened a consultation survey to the public.

This is a chance to share your experiences and views about Lancashire’s natural environment and the biggest environmental issues we face locally.

Find out more and respond

–

LMC Training Opportunity
Lancaster and Morecambe College, through UKSPF, is dedicated to assisting local businesses in their training and development. They are currently providing a diverse selection of fully funded courses and qualifications tailored to meet the needs of local organisations.

Available courses include:

• Food Safety Level 2 certification
• Food allergen awareness training
• Cyber Security workshops
• Bookkeeping essentials
• Aspiring Leaders program

All these courses are provided at no cost to individuals residing or working within the Lancaster district. For a comprehensive list of available courses and further details, follow this link.

–

Lyrics and Lunch Celebration Event 18th May
The singing and music group charity Lyrics and Lunch will be holding their annual celebration day in May, a day of speakers, discussion, their AGM and a sing-a-long. The community organisation provide a network of friendly singing and lunch groups which creates community for those living with dementia and their carers. You can expect talks by Cat Msith MP, Dianne Smith and the Bay Information Hub along with a theatre performance “William Kite has memory Issues”.

The Celebration Day will be held on Sat 18 May, 10.30am – 3.30pm at The Centre, Marton Street, LA1 1XX.

View the event poster here

–

Think CO! Carbon Monoxide Risk Awareness Workshop
An online workshop called “Think CO” educates frontline workers and volunteers on carbon monoxide (CO) risks in vulnerable people’s homes. It covers CO sources, signs, prevention, and implications for both workers and clients. The workshop, hosted by Gas Safe Charity, is conducted on Zoom and lasts for about an hour. Attendees receive additional resources after the session. Limited places are available, and registration is required via email.

The next available workshops will take place on Thursday 27 June.

Reserve your place here

Multi-skilled Tradesperson for Preston Care & Repair
Preston Care & Repair are seeking to recruit a passionate, motivated individual to join their growing team based in Leyland, Lancashire. Preston Care & Repair is an independent, charitable organisation that aims to provide the best possible support and services to help keep people safe, secure, warm and independent at home. The role involves installing various home adaptations and performing small jobs.

Salary:  £27,767 – £30,243 (£14.43/hr – £15.72/hr)
Contract: Full Time – Full Time – 37 hours per week, 26 days holiday plus statutory bank holidays
Location: Leyland, Lancashire
Closing Date: Friday 31 May 2024, 4pm

Find out more about this role and apply

–

Regular Giving Fundraiser – CancerCare
CancerCare at the Slynesdale Centre are seeking a Regular Giving Fundraiser to be responsible for developing and increasing income from new and existing donors through regular giving, campaigns, appeals and direct marketing initiatives. The role will encompass donor development, supporter acquisition and retention, through research and relationship building, combining a target driven approach with a caring and empathetic manner.

Salary: £14,777 per annum plus benefits
Contract: 22.5 hours per week (flexible working hours)
Location: Slynesdale Centre, Kendal or Barrow with travel and working remotely.
Closing date: Friday 7 June 2024

Find out more and apply

–

Multiple Roles with the Together Trust
Occupational Therapist
The Together Trust are looking for an Occupational Therapist to join their team. This role involves providing consultancy, training, and therapy interventions primarily to mainstream schools. You’ll assess and refer students, manage therapy team appraisals, and ensure evidence-based interventions. Requirements include an Occupational Therapy degree, HCPC registration, experience in mainstream schools, and excellent communication skills.

Salary: £39,327 FTE
Contract: Full-time-permanent
Location: Liverpool and surrounding areas
Closing date: 10 June 2024, 1059pm

Find out more about this role and apply

Children’s Residential Support Worker
Together Trust are seeking a Children’s Residential Support Worker to expand their team. You’ll provide care and support to vulnerable children and young people with autism and learning difficulties. No previous childcare experience is required as full training is provided. Key responsibilities include attending to the children’s needs, planning activities, and supporting their communication and development.

Salary: £23,412.00 per annum with biennial increments(Starting)
Contract: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Lostock, Bolton
Closing date: 30 May 2024 at 10.59pm

Apply now and make a difference in the lives of children and young people in need!

–

Peer Navigator (Lived Experience Practitioner) with the Salvation Army
Join The Salvation Army in partnership with the University of Stirling to deliver a trial for the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The support charity are seeking a passionate and dynamic Peer Navigator to provide relationship-based intervention to those experiencing homelessness and substance use issues.

Key responsibilities include offering practical and emotional support, working flexibly to meet client needs, and championing excellence in client-centered services. Ideal candidates will have personal experience of homelessness or substance use, strong knowledge of support services, and genuine compassion for vulnerable individuals.

Salary: £27,146 per annum
Contract: Full-time, fixed term for 18 months
Location: Blackpool
Closing date: 20 May 2024 at 11.59pm

Learn more about this role and apply

–

North Lancashire Food Hub Communications Coordinator with LESS
LESS is seeking a communications professional to set up the sales and marketing channels for a new North Lancashire Food Hub which will connect local producers with customers in the District.

Salary: £27,964.35 for full time (pro-rata £5593 for 7.5 hours per week for a full year)
Freelance: £130 day rate
Contract: On average 7.5 hours per week. A fixed term contract until 31 March 2025. It is hoped that continuation funding would be secured.
Location: The Storey Institute, Lancaster and homeworking

View the full job description

See the Food Futures jobs page

–

Lancashire Mind Job Opportunities
Are you passionate about improving mental health in Lancashire? Want to join an amazing, friendly, and committed team? Feel continually inspired to make a difference with like-minded and supportive people?

Lancashire Mind have announced that they are expanding and have some amazing new roles on their board of Trustees, within their Children and Young Peoples services as well as their Housing and Wellbeing services. The charity are seeking people who are motivated and passionate about creating a better world for other people.

Housing and Wellbeing Mentor
Salary: £24,395 per annum
Contract: 12 months
Location: Hybrid role with nominal office working in Chorley
Closing Date: Mon 20 May, 9am

Children and Young People’s Engagement Coordinator
Salary: £25,767 per annum
Contract: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Location: Chorley and youth settings in East Lancashire
Closing Date: Mon 22 May, 9am

More information on these vacancies here

–

Panel Chair – Community Foster Care 
Community Foster Care are looking for a Panel Chair for Community Foster Care. The role will require the individual to participate in lead panel meetings, ensuring adherence to regulations and policies. Other responsibilities include preparing for meetings, promoting diversity, and safeguarding confidentiality. Key requirements include experience in complex meeting management. 

Salary: £30-£35 per hour plus £75 reading for each panel and One panel per month or as required) 
Contract: Permanent 
Location: Lancaster & Gloucester (Hybrid) 
Closing Date: 30 May 2024, 11.59pm 

Find out more about this role and apply 

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]