Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 21 February 2025

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Our weekly Bulletin is full of useful information. It’s one of the ways that LDCVS  supports you to support your communities.

An archive of previous editions can be found here.

Click headings below to expand each section.

LDCVS Chair Appointed as Professor of Practice at University of Cumbria
Lancaster CVS is delighted to celebrate the appointment of our Chair, Paul Jebb, as a Professor of Practice at the University of Cumbria. This prestigious role recognizes Paul’s expertise and leadership, allowing him to support students, staff, and stakeholders by bridging the gap between academia and practice. His contribution will enhance learning, mentorship, and community engagement, reinforcing his dedication to people and culture. Congratulations, Paul, on this well-deserved achievement!

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HELP IS CLOSE – Lancaster District Mental Health Support Campaign
Recently it was the launch of a Lancaster District all-age mental health support campaign, designed to connect people of all ages with the physical and mental health resources they need while reducing loneliness and isolation.

Over the coming weeks Lancaster CVS and Lancaster ICC will be sharing campaign content across social media platforms and more. Look out for digital ads, posters, postcards, and beer mats appearing across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, and nearby areas.

We encourage everyone to share campaign content, including digital ads, reels, and shorts, on social media using the hashtag #helpisclose.

The digital versions of all the adverts can be found here.

Visit the campaign landing page for HELP!

Dementia Grants Programme
The McCarthy Stone Foundation is offering grants of up to £7,500 to support over 20 dementia clubs and memory cafés across England, Scotland, and Wales. If you are a registered charity, community group, or CIC with an annual turnover under £250,000, working with older adults (65+) living with dementia and/or their carers, you may be eligible.

Applications open 14 February 2025 and close 14 March 2025 (5 p.m.)

Funding decisions will be made in early May.
Priority will be given to organisations in areas of high deprivation.

More details and application form

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Music for All’s Community Project Fund
Music for All’s Community Grants Programme offers funding of up to £2,500 to UK-based groups, schools, and organisations bringing music to their communities. Grants typically support instrument purchases, equipment, and teaching costs, with a focus on creating new musicians and ensuring project sustainability.

Who can apply? UK-based community groups, schools, and organisations running music projects.
Application deadlines:

  • Spring: Apply by 1 November for funding in January
  • Summer: Apply by 1 February for funding in April
  • Autumn: Apply by 1 July for funding in September

Apply via the Music for All website

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Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund
The Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund 2025 is now open for applications, offering up to £2,500 per project to install water bottle refill stations in busy or environmentally important coastal locations across the UK.

Since launching in 2020, the fund has helped install 40 fountains to tackle plastic pollution on UK beaches. Sponsored by Bunzl plc, the initiative aims to reduce marine litter caused by single-use plastic bottles.

UK-based organisations can apply that are seeking to install a coastal refill station.

Application deadline is 25th April 2025

Apply now via the Sea-Changers Website

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£15 Million Fund to Help Redistribute Surplus Food
A new £15 million Government fund is now open to help food redistribution charities rescue surplus food directly from farms and get it to those in need. Every year, 330,000 tonnes of edible food never makes it past the farm gate, often going to waste or being used as animal feed. This funding aims to change that by strengthening links between farms and charities.

Grants start at £20,000 and can be used for packaging, transport, storage equipment, and other essential resources to help charities collect, store, and distribute fresh food more effectively. Food redistribution charities and non-profits can apply.

The application deadline is 13th March 2025, 11:55 am.

For more information, and to apply visit GOV.UK

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Postcode Neighbourhood Trust
The Postcode Neighbourhood Trust is offering grants ranging from £500 to £25,000 to support small charities and not-for-profit organisations making a difference in their communities across the north of England. To be eligible, organisations must have an annual income of less than £1 million, have been operating for at least 12 months, and have signed accounts. Priority will be given to groups supporting racially marginalised communities, disabled people, and LGBT+ people, as well as organisations in the top 15% most deprived areas according to the English Index of Multiple Deprivation.

There will be three funding rounds in 2025, with Round 1 opening on 24 March and closing on 31 March at 12 noon, and Round 2 running from 24 June to 1 July. The dates for Round 3 will be announced later in the year. Application forms will be available on the Trust’s website when each round opens. For more details of their funding guide, visit Postcode Neighbourhood Trust or contact [email protected].

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EOIs invited for National Support Line for Victims of Sexual Violence
The Ministry of Justice is seeking input on the design of a new national support line for victims of sexual violence, set to launch on 1 April 2026. This service will provide 24/7, trauma-informed support to victims across England and Wales, regardless of whether they choose to report to the police. The funding value is yet to be confirmed but is anticipated to be around £2.7 million per year. Consortia, including private sector members, may apply, provided the lead applicant is a public or non-profit organisation. Market engagement events will follow ahead of the grant competition.

Non-profit and public sector organisations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) by 28 February 2025 (midday) to help shape the grant scheme, expected to launch in summer 2025.

More details can be found on GOV.UK.

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Lancaster Community Fund Application Window Closing Soon
Local charities and community groups looking for funding to support projects that benefit Lancaster residents have only days left to apply for the Lancaster Community Fund. Grants of up to £1,000 are available, with a focus on community involvement, sustainability, and wellbeing. New start-ups and grassroots groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Submit your application before 28 February 2025, 11.59pm.

Find out more and apply.

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Additional Funding for Warm Spaces
Lancashire County Council’s warm spaces grant scheme has been extended, and will be open to new applications until 11:59pm on 2 March. Decisions will be made within 14 days of the closing date.

Grants are available at varying levels depending on the opening times of the proposed warm space. £500 will be grants for spaces open up to two days a week, up to £1,000 for spaces open for six or seven days a week.

New applicants can use the funding to cover costs already incurred, if applicable.

Find out more and apply

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Ørsted’s 2025 STEM Skills Fund
Grants from £10,000 up to £100,000 are available for projects which:

  • Fund the support, enhancement and expansion of existing projects / networks already set up and delivering local benefits on STEM related activities.
  • Create and develop new and innovative initiatives across one or more age range from early years, primary, secondary, further or higher education.

Applications are now open, closing on 2 April. Before applying, check that your project will be delivered within the Walney Extension Windfarm Area.

Find out more and apply

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Michael Tippett Musical Foundation
The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation is offering grants to support group music-making projects, particularly those involving young people and focusing on composition. Funding is also available for the performance or recording of Michael Tippett’s works. Grants range from £500 to £3,000, with an average award of around £2,000. This is a highly competitive fund, with only one in nine applications successful last year. Projects in schools, colleges, universities, or community settings across the UK are eligible to apply.

The Trustees meet once a year in autumn, and applications must be submitted by Tuesday 30 September 2025.

For full details and to apply, visit the Foundation’s website or email [email protected].

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Grow Wild Youth Grants
Are you aged 16–25 and passionate about nature? The Grow Wild Youth Grant from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew offers £500 to bring your creative project to life this summer! Whether it’s photography, gardening, cooking, or science, your idea just needs to champion UK native plants and fungi. Grant recipients will also get access to support, online resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to earn Kew’s Young Environmental Leader Award.

Applications close at 3pm on Wednesday 19 March 2025. Join an online webinar on Wednesday 26 February at 12pm to learn more.

Apply now and make a difference! For details, visit the Grow Wild website.

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Jerwood Foundation
The Jerwood Foundation is offering funding to organisations that focus on making art accessible to the public and supporting emerging talent in the arts across the UK. Grants typically range from £1,000 to £25,000, with some awards reaching up to £180,000. Eligible groups must provide financial documentation, including audited accounts or a budget breakdown. The next funding rounds run from:

  • 5 February to 19 March 2025
  • 30 April to 11 June 2025
  • 3 September to 15 October 2025

Successful applicants will be contacted within two weeks of the decision dates. For details and application guidance, visit the Jerwood Foundation website or email [email protected].

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Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation
The Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation will reopen its grants programme on 3 March 2025, focusing on supporting people in hardship and underserved communities across the UK. Funding will prioritise charities helping individuals access a place to call home and improve financial wellbeing, particularly in areas ranked in the top 50% of the UK Index of Multiple Deprivation. Grants have increased to a maximum of £10,000, and the foundation will now consider core costs, project costs, and small capital contributions.

Applications will be accepted twice a year (March–May and September–October).

For more details, visit the Skipton Charitable Foundation website.

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Jeans for Genes Grants
The Jeans for Genes Grant Programme is offering grants of up to £20,000 to UK charities supporting individuals with genetic conditions and their families. Core cost funding (up to £5,000) is available to help small charities strengthen their resilience, while project funding (up to £20,000) supports initiatives that improve wellbeing, provide key transition support, and engage diverse communities.

Eligible UK charities must apply by 14 March 2025.

For more details, visit the Jeans for Genes website.

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Henry Moore Foundation
The Henry Moore Foundation is offering grants to not-for-profit organisations for projects that promote the growth and appreciation of sculpture across historical, modern, and contemporary contexts. Funding is available in categories including new projects and commissions (up to £20,000), acquisitions and collections (up to £20,000), research and development (up to £20,000 for long-term projects or £2,500 for small research grants), and conferences, lectures, and publications (up to £5,000).

The next application deadline is 1 March 2025 (23:00) for projects starting no sooner than 1 July 2025.

For more details, visit Grants & Fellowships | Henry Moore Foundation.

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Canoe Foundation Grants
The Canoe Foundation is accepting applications for grants to improve public access to UK waterways. Funding supports projects that create or enhance launch sites, improve pathways, protect natural blue spaces, and promote sustainable water access. Grants typically range from £500 to £10,000 and are open to paddle clubs, community groups, charities, and local councils.

The deadline to apply is 28 February 2025.

Find out more at The Canoe Foundation.

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The Arts Society
The Arts Society is offering grants of up to £2,000 for UK-registered charities with an annual turnover of under £3 million to support arts, crafts, and heritage projects. Funding is available for activities such as skill development, conservation work, special projects in museums and galleries, and grassroots arts initiatives.

The deadline to apply is 31 March 2025.

Organisations must register through The Arts Society’s online portal before applying.

Find out more from this funder

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Funding for Youth Mental Health Organisations
The Prudence Trust’s What’s Working? Strength in Data Grants Programme is offering grants of at least £10,000 to charities and CICs supporting young people’s mental health (ages 10-30). Funding aims to enhance monitoring and evaluation capacity, covering staff training, data infrastructure, and external evaluation costs. Eligible organisations must have an income of at least £250,000 and two years of published accounts.

The Expression of Interest deadline is 3 March 2025 (4pm).

For more details, visit The Prudence Trust.

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Imperial Community Impact Fund
Imperial Polythene is offering grants of up to £1,000 to charities and CICs for projects that support environment, sustainability, creativity, and local problem-solving. A total of £10,000 is available annually, with two funding rounds per year. Eligible organisations must have an annual income between £25,000 and £500,000.

The deadline for applications is 20 March 2025.

Find out more and apply

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Small Grants to Help More People Experience the Outdoors
The Alpkit Foundation is offering small grants of £50 to £500 to help community groups, schools, and organisations break down barriers to outdoor access. Funding supports projects focused on diversity and inclusion, environmental conservation, health and wellbeing, outdoor education, and participation.

Applications are reviewed every two months, so groups should apply at least three months before their project start date.

Find out more on the Alpkit Foundation website.

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Funding Available for Home Visiting Support Service
Bay ICC and PCN are offering up to £10,000 to support a home visiting service that helps individuals complete essential forms and applications, such as PIP, Carers Allowance, Universal Credit, and Housing Benefit. The service aims to improve health, wellbeing, and financial security for vulnerable residents who struggle to access in-person support.

Eligible charities, CICs, or service providers can apply to deliver this support, either independently or in partnership. Funding is non-recurrent, and applications should consider the intensive nature of the work.

The deadline for applications is midnight, Thursday 27th February 2025.

Find out more about this

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250 Free Online Fundraising Packs Available
easyfundraising is offering 250 free fundraising toolkits to help local organisations raise money online. Through easyfundraising, when your supporters shop with any of 8,000 retailers, including Tesco, trainline, eBay, Argos, Sainsbury’s, John Lewis, Asda and Booking.com, a donation is made to your organisation. All you need to do is use the free packs to tell your supporters about it

To get your complimentary pack, register with easyfundraising and when prompted, schedule a call with a member of the easyfundraising team who will arrange your toolkit and explain the process.

With only 250 packs available, claim yours today here.

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Subsidised Retreats for Community Groups
Community groups can now apply for funding towards a residential stay or woodland day at Rookhow in South Lakes through the Retreat Away Fund. The site offers a 16-bed bunkbarn, yurt, Quaker Meeting House, and 12 acres of woodland—a perfect space for respite, connection, and personal growth.

Previous groups can apply again (with different participants), but priority will be given to new applications.

Application deadline: 1st April 2025
Capacity: Up to 30 people (including staff/volunteers)

More info & availability

For queries or to arrange a visit, contact Sue Nicholls at [email protected] or call 07377 971783.

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Education Endowment Fund
The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is inviting applications for its Spring 2025 Early Years Funding Round, focusing on self-regulation and executive function in young children. This funding aims to support and evaluate programmes that help children develop crucial skills for learning and life, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Apply by Friday, 14th March 2025, at 11 AM.

To learn more visit their website for guidance notes and application details.

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Matrix Causes Fund
The Matrix Causes Fund offers grants to support access to justice, equality of opportunity, and a sustainable environment. UK charities can apply for one-off grants up to £5,000 or £3,000 annually for three years.

Applications are open 1st January – 31st March 2025 and 1st July – 30th September 2025, with a limit of 30 applications per cycle.

For more details, visit the Matrix Chambers website or email [email protected].

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Rowing Foundation
The Rowing Foundation is offering grants to UK rowing clubs, schools, and organisations for equipment purchases or boat refurbishments. Funding supports young people, those in full-time education, and individuals with disabilities. Equipment grants of up to £4,000 are available for up to 50% of project costs, with applications considered three times a year.

The first 2025 deadline is 17th March (noon). Refurbishment grants are open year-round.

To apply or learn more, visit The Rowing Foundation website.

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Holiday Activities for Autistic Children
The Three Guineas Trust is offering grants of up to £15,000 to support activity schemes for autistic children, young people, and their siblings during school holidays. Funding is available for autism-specific programmes or to cover the costs of one-to-one support in mainstream schemes. Applications are open to not-for-profit organisations that meet safeguarding and staffing requirements.

The deadline to apply is 28th February 2025.

For more details, visit the Three Guineas Trust website.

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Deutsche Bank Awards for UK Creative Entrepreneurs
The Deutsche Bank Awards for Creative Enterprise (DBACE) are now open for 2025, offering financial and practical support to aspiring creative entrepreneurs. With a £60,000 prize fund, successful applicants can receive up to £20,000 to launch or grow their business in the creative industries. The programme includes mentoring, business training, and investment to help turn ideas into sustainable ventures with a positive social impact.

Open to UK entrepreneurs aged 18+, applications close on 31st March 2025.

For more details click here.

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Green Heat Network Projects
The Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) is offering grant funding for public and private sector organisations in England looking to develop low-carbon heat networks. Grants can cover up to (but not including) 50% of eligible commercialisation and construction costs. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an application seminar and consult with relationship managers before applying.

Round 9 applications close on Friday, 11th April 2025.

For more details and to submit an Expression of Interest, visit the Triple Point Heat Networks Investment Management website.

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Emergency Funding for Sports Facilities Hit by Extreme Weather
Community organisations affected by storms Bert, Conall, Darragh, Eowyn, and Herminia can apply for emergency relief funding through Sport England’s Movement Fund. This funding helps repair sports facilities and activity venues damaged by extreme weather, covering costs like skip hire, minor electrical work, decontamination, and securing buildings. Priority will be given to sports and activities that need to resume quickly, while funding won’t cover loss of income, stock, or routine maintenance.

Applicants must provide evidence of damage and show efforts to build resilience to future storms.

Applications are open now – find out more via Sport England.

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Funding for Leadership in the Migration Sector
Grants are available for grassroots organisations and individuals with lived experience of migration to strengthen leadership, wellbeing, and systemic change in the sector. Funding ranges from £10,000 to £100,000 for individuals, organisations, and collaborative partnerships.

Applications close 12th March 2025.

Find out more and join an info webinar on 11th or 24th February.

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Funding for Innovative Charity Projects
The Innovation for Good grant from Kilburn & Strode LLP is open for applications, offering £10,000, £20,000, and £30,000 to UK-registered charities using creative solutions to benefit local communities. Successful projects will be chosen via an employee vote.

The deadline for applications is 31st March 2025.

Visit the Kilburn & Strode website for more

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Lancaster Community Fund
Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS are inviting local charities and community groups needing help to deliver projects and activities which will benefit local people to apply for funding from the Lancaster Community Fund.

Organisations can apply for grants of up to £1,000 and applications from new start up groups and small grassroots groups are particularly welcomed. The grant pot is made up of several charity funds donated to Lancaster City Council to support those living in disadvantaged areas of the community.

The fund has three main priorities:

  • Projects that increase community involvement, build community wealth and resilience.
  • Projects that contribute towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
  • Projects that contribute to individual and community wellbeing

The third round of the fund opens for applications on 30 January. Apply by 11:59pm on 28 February.

Find out more and apply

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Wild Ingleborough Access to Nature
The Wild Ingleborough Access to Nature Fund is now open for applications, offering grants of up to £1,500 to community groups facing barriers to accessing the Yorkshire Dales. This fund supports trips to Ingleborough, helping participants connect with nature and the landscape.

Applications are open until 23rd March 2025. Groups interested in applying should complete a pre-application questionnaire to determine eligibility and support needed.

Visit period: Early May 2025 – End of May 2026

More info & apply

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British Ecological Society Outreach and Engagement Grants
The British Ecological Society (BES) is offering grants of up to £2,000 to support public engagement with ecological science. Open to BES members, these grants fund innovative outreach projects that communicate ecology’s relevance, promote ecological careers, and encourage public action for the environment.

Funding supports in-person events, digital formats, and physical resources, with a focus on novel communication methods, interdisciplinary collaboration, and skill development.

For more details or to apply, visit the BES website.

Portal homepage – British Ecological Society

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Hinrichsen Foundation
The Hinrichsen Foundation is offering funding for projects that support contemporary and experimental music. Grants are available for initiatives that promote artistic risk-taking, diversity, and collaboration between composers, musicians, and project leaders. Projects should have a clear timeline, well-defined outcomes, and aim to engage diverse audiences, particularly in less familiar musical styles.

The foundation prioritises applications that ensure fair pay for composers and musicians, demonstrate financial need, and have additional funding sources (as they do not fully fund projects alone).

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 14 March 2025. For more details, visit the Hinrichsen Foundation website or email [email protected].

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William Sutton Prize 2025
The William Sutton Prize 2025, run by Clarion Housing Group, is offering funding for innovative projects in two categories: Regenerative Places (restoring and preserving nature, homes, and communities) and Connected Communities (enhancing social housing residents’ wellbeing). Grants range from £5,000 to £50,000, with a total funding pot of £125,000. Applications are open to charities, CICs, social enterprises, and community groups operating in England. Webinars for interested applicants will be held on 19 February 2025, and the deadline to apply is 8 April 2025 (12 noon).

More details are available on the Clarion Housing Group website.

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The Weavers’ Company
Small grants of up to £5,000, or main grants (no financial limit), are available for organisations that can demonstrate impact with ex-offenders, young offenders or young people at risk of offending, either within a local area or nationally. Priority areas of activity include supporting offenders into work, and helping specific groups within the criminal justice sector – primarily those less popular with other funders.

Apply at any time, decisions made in February, June and October.

Find out more and apply

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Steel Foundation
Grants of between £10,000 and £25,000 are available for community organisations working to improve outcomes for children and young people wholly or mainly under the age of 26. The fund’s focus is on creating educational and/or access opportunities for young people in circumstances, groups or locations that face economic challenges or social marginalisation that may lead to significant disadvantages in later life.

Applications received by 15 April will be assessed by the end of June.

Find out more and apply

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Grants for Justice, Equality, and Sustainability
The Matrix Causes Fund (MCF) is offering grants of up to £5,000 for UK organisations promoting access to justice, equality of opportunity, and a sustainable environment. Priority is given to vulnerable groups, including prisoners, asylum seekers, individuals with mental health challenges, children with disabilities, and women in refuges. UK-registered charities can apply for one-off grants or multi-year funding of up to £3,000 annually for three years.

Applications open on 1 January 2025, with a deadline of 31 March 2025. A second application window will run from 1 July to 30 September 2025.

For guidance, visit the Matrix Causes Fund website or contact [email protected].

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Healthy Heart Grants
Heart Research UK (HRUK) is offering grants of up to £15,000 to registered charities and CICs in England with an annual income under £1M. The funding supports community projects focused on preventing heart disease, particularly for vulnerable and isolated adults at higher risk. Projects must address at least one key risk factor: healthy eating, physical activity, smoking, or alcohol consumption. Funding can be used for salaries, overheads, or essential equipment for projects lasting between three and 12 months.

Applications for England North open from 7th May to 4th June.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

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Rewilding Innovation Fund
The Rewilding Innovation Fund is offering grants of up to £15,000 to support rewilding projects across Britain that cover at least 40 hectares and align with Rewilding Britain’s principles. Funding can be used for business planning, community engagement, feasibility studies, and technological innovations to help projects scale or unlock further funding.

Applicants must be members of the Rewilding Network. The next application deadline is 28th February 2025.

Find out more and apply for this funding

Bowled Over by Lottery Funding – A New Future for Indoor Bowling
The Lancaster, Morecambe & District Indoor Bowling League has been awarded £19,999 from the National Lottery Community Fund to purchase new bowling mats, securing its future and addressing pressing health and safety concerns.

With around 160 members—many of whom are retired—the League provides a gentle yet engaging form of exercise that enhances physical health, mental agility, and social connection. Matches are held at Salt Ayre, Morecambe, from October to March in multiple sessions each day.

Chairman Mark Norcliffe expressed his gratitude for the funding, noting that it not only preserves a long-standing community tradition but also opens the door for new players to experience the many benefits of indoor bowling.

Read more about this story

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Chairs Available
Central Lancaster High School have around 150 blue plastic chairs available that are surplus in school. If you have any use for these or know of any community projects locally who may benefit from these please contact school to arrange collection.

View their social media advert here

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The Friends of Lancaster Library Seek New Chairperson
Would you like to do more to support the work of your local library?

The Friends of Lancaster library are looking for a community minded volunteer to lead their team of trustees. Do you have previous experience of supporting a community organisation?  Could you be the public face of the Friends of Lancaster Library and helps us develop closer ties with the wider community? To experience what the Friends do in the library please join them at their upcoming events.

For further info contact: Stuart Reynolds [email protected] 

Details on the Friends of Lancaster Library can be found on their Facebook page

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Rookhow will be 300!
Rookhow is celebrating its 300th anniversary this June! Originally built as a gathering place for Quakers in 1725, Rookhow continues to serve as a welcoming space for rest and reconnection. From June 6th-8th, a special celebration weekend will be held, with opportunities for visitors to make a pilgrimage by walking or cycling to Rookhow. The event is open to all, not just Quakers, and they’re also looking for volunteers to assist as part of a hosting team. A memory book will be created to commemorate the occasion to share your memories and photos by attending or sending remotely. To book a place or learn more, follow this link.

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Lancaster Art Fair Crowdfunder
Lancaster Art Fair is a free cultural event for all ages and abilities, supporting artists by providing paid work opportunities and a platform for them to show and sell their work in group exhibitions and makers markets, alongside free artist professional development talks and workshops.

The organisers want to take the Art Fair to the streets of Lancaster by providing free city centre art workshops, pop up stalls and makers markets showcasing more of our city’s artistic talent.

To help fund the city centre events and workshops for the public, the Fair’s organisers are crowdfunding with a £14,591 target.

Find out more and contribute to the crowdfunder here

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Research Opportunity: Lancaster and Morecambe: Who Are We?
Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council are commissioning a research project to explore the diverse communities within Lancaster and Morecambe. The study aims to understand demographics, engagement, challenges, and aspirations to inform future policies and community initiatives. The research will involve surveys, interviews, and focus groups, with findings compiled into a final report due by November 2025. A budget of £10,000 is available, and proposals are due by 28th February 2025.

For details, contact [email protected]

Find out more

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C.I.C and Not-For-Profit Advice Session 
Join this informative session offered in partnership with LDCVS, Lancaster and Morecambe College and The Growing Club, to discover everything you need to know about starting a Community Interest Company or other Not-For-Profit organisation. 

Time and Date: 5th of March 2025, 10am-12:30pm 
Location: Lancaster Town Hall, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PL 

Find out more and book

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Support Needed for Growing Well West Cumbria After Storm Damage
The Growing Well West Cumbria site in Egremont suffered significant damage from Storm Éowyn last Friday. While thankfully no one was injured, the greenhouses sustained severe structural damage, with some frames reduced to scrap metal and large amounts of broken glass requiring clearance and replacement.

Staff and volunteers have been working hard to make the site safe and operational again. However, as the damage is not covered by insurance, all repairs and replacement materials must be funded by Growing Well. Donations of funds, materials, or specialist skills to help rebuild the greenhouses would be greatly appreciated.

Contact: 07512 316568, email: [email protected] or donate here. Any support is greatly valued.

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Big Lancaster Spring Clean
Lancaster Business Improvement District has partnered with Beyond Radio and Lancaster City Council to join in with the national Great British Spring Clean.

The local campaign aims to make the city centre look more attractive and to promote all the hard work that already goes into keeping the streets clean.

The BID are keen to hear your views on what should be prioritised during the campaign, including specific issues or areas of the city centre.

Email [email protected] to have your say

Volunteer Management
This workshop is an opportunity for volunteer managers in our area to share their knowledge and experience and discuss common issues. As well as a chance to network with others in the same role, the aim is for people to take away some practical ideas they can try out. You’ll go through the different stages in the process and hear what other people have found works best for them.

18 March, 9:30am – 1pm, St Thomas Church LA1 1XX

£5 for LDCVS members, £10 for non-members

Find out more and book

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Emergency First Aid at Work Level 3
The Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work course is the most popular workplace first aid course in the UK. After completing this course, you will be able to prove that you have completed first aid training that meets Health and Safety (First Aid) 1981 Regulations to be a first aider in a low-risk work environment.

The cost of the course is £49.50, including booking fees.

4 March, 9:30am – 4:30pm at The Cornerstone LA1 1PX

Find out more and book

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Introduction to Immigration Law Course 
This foundational course is designed to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the essential principles and practices of immigration law. Whether you’re a legal professional and individuals interested in the intricacies of immigration policies, this course will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to navigate the complex and dynamic field of immigration law. 

Time and Date: Date: 27th February 2025, 10:00 am-5pm 
Location: Online  

Call 0333 305 9460 with any queries and for future dates  

Find out more and book a place 

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LSCFT Primary Mental Health Training
The Lancaster & Morecambe Primary Mental Health Team are offering free places on the following workshops:

ADHD Virtual Workshop, Tuesday 11th March, 9-30am – 11am

Gillick Competency Virtual Workshop, Thursday 27th March 9:30 – 11am

Demand Avoidence Virtual Workshop, Thursday 13th February 10.30am-12.30pm

Supporting C&YP Experiencing Bereavement or Significant Loss Workshop, Monday 3rd March 9:30am -4:30pm

Mental Health First Aid – 10th & 17th March

For further information or to book, please email [email protected]

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Benefits Training from Citizens Advice North Lancashire
Personal Independence Payments
14 March, 10am – 4pm (includes lunch)

Morecambe Town Hall

£17

Find out more and book

Benefits for Older People
28 March, 10am – 1pm (includes lunch)

Morecambe Town Hall

£10

Find out more and book

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Free MECC Training Courses (Jan – March 2025)
Lancashire’s Make Every Contact Count (MECC) training programme empowers individuals to use everyday conversations to promote better health and wellbeing. These free courses are ideal for frontline staff in health, social care, and community roles, helping them encourage positive lifestyle changes.

MECC Train the Trainer (Face-to-Face, Full Day) – Enables participants to train others within their teams.

  • 27 February – Blackpool
  • 19 March – Preston

MECC Familiarisation (90 min, Online) – Introduction to MECC for those interested in learning more.

  • 25 March – 9:00 – 10:30am
  • 25 March – 11:00 – 12:30pm
  • 25 March – 1:30 – 3:00pm

MECC for Physical Activity (2.5 hrs, Online) – Supports workplace and community conversations about physical activity.

  • 6 March – 10:00 – 12:30pm

Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply, email [email protected].

MECC for Physical Activity Application form (Jan-Mar)
MECC TTT Chat to Change 1 Day Application form (Jan-Mar)
MECC 90 Minute Session Application form (Jan-Mar)

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Understand Forces Pensions
The Forces Pension Society Roadshow is delivering a presentation for Armed Forces Veterans at The Mazuma Stadium, Morecambe on Wed 26 Mar 25 (10am – 12 noon), free car parking along with free refreshments are available. 

The Forces Pension Society is an independent, not-for-profit organisation that acts as a pension watchdog for the entire military community. 

The latest AFPS Annual Report, reveals a reduction in the number of Veterans’ unclaimed pensions. The report records some 14,800 unclaimed pensions (17,100 in 2023), a 14% improvement. 

However, it remains a cause for great concern that there are still almost 15,000 pension benefits that remain unclaimed and thousands of entitled Veterans could be missing out.

Anyone serving after April 1975, now aged 60 or over, could have an Armed Forces Pension if they served for two years or more. The pension is not paid automatically, and Veterans must apply to Veterans UK. 

This event will help veterans better understand their pension, rules around the schemes, eligibility and how to claim. 

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DWP Disability Services support for SEND Schools, Colleges and Support Organisations
The Disability Services Advocacy Team are running free online sessions to support with raising awareness of the different Disability Services benefits and grants – Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) and Access to Work (ATW).

They will be covering Disability Living Allowance for Children (DLA Child) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) including the transition from DLA Child to PIP when the Child reaches the age of 16. The session will also include how Access to Work can help and support following secondary education when moving into employment.

To book:

Wed 12 March 1pm – 3pm

Tuesday 1 April 1pm – 3pm

Thursday 15 May 1pm – 3pm

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Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace 
Starting in March, the Immigration Advice Service is holding this interactive workshop which aims to equip participants with the tools to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, minimising legal risks and reducing exposure to claims. Attendees will have the opportunity to share their own personal experiences and ask any questions related to the topic. 

Covered in the course are topics such as sexual harassment and the law, creating a supportive work environment, post investigation considerations and much more. 

Date and Time: 4th of March, 10am – 1pm 

Location: Online 

Read more and book a place 

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Free UK Parliament Workshops for Lancashire Community Groups
Want to learn how Parliament works and how to make your voice heard? UK Parliament’s Outreach Service is offering free, tailored workshops for community groups in Lancashire. Delivered by Rachael Dodgson, Outreach Officer for the North West, these interactive sessions cover everything from how Parliament makes decisions to how you can influence change through petitions, select committees, and more. Workshops can be held online or in person, are politically neutral, and are accessible for ESOL groups.

  • Workshops available throughout the year
  • Minimum 15 attendees per session

For more details, contact Rachael Dodgson at [email protected].

Find out more & book

Volunteers Needed for Baylight 25!  
Baylight Morecambe is fast approaching, and extra hands are needed to bring this spectacular event to life!  There are still volunteer opportunities available this weekend (21st & 22nd Feb). Roles include: 

  • Parade Marshalls (Sat 22nd – evening) 
  • Lantern Bearers (Sat 22nd – evening) 
  • Info Hut Assistants (Fri 21st & Sat 22nd – evenings) 
  • VIP Event Assistants (Fri 21st – evening) 
  • Event Guide Distribution (Fri 21st & Sat 22nd – evenings) 
  • Art Trail Exhibit Invigilation (Fri 21st & Sat 22nd – evenings) 
  • Social Media Support (Fri 21st & Sat 22nd) 

Training will be provided, and free hot drinks are available for all volunteers.  

Anyone interested can sign up now or help by sharing this opportunity with their networks. 

Be part of something amazing and help bring the Baylight magic! 

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Moving Forward Volunteers – Breast Cancer Now
Moving Forward Volunteers support courses delivered by Breast Cancer Now that help people take the next step after primary breast cancer treatment. Moving Forward services and information are for anyone living with and beyond breast cancer, helping them approach life after treatment with increased confidence.

Courses usually take place over two consecutive weeks and are delivered by a Moving Forward Facilitator, in partnership with NHS hospitals and are supported by on demand online resources.

Two volunteers are required for each course, who are there to welcome participants and support the facilitator. Volunteers move around small groups to support discussions, contribute their own insights when appropriate, and offer emotional support if participants become upset.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Treasurer – Rainbow Centre
The Rainbow Centre provides a range of weekly activities run by volunteer leaders and professional instructors from their premises on Clarence Street in Morecambe. The Centre’s board are seeking a volunteer treasurer to oversee all financial aspects of the charity’s operation and to assist the Chair, officers and Centre Manager in ensuring the organisation fulfils its duties and responsibilities.

Download the role description

For more information, contact [email protected]

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Fundraiser – Friends of Lancaster Cemetery
Friends of Lancaster Cemetery look after the graveyard to assist the council. They are a small group with lots of big plans and would like a fundraiser to raise money for bulbs, tools and various projects such as a tree trail, heritage trail and information boards.

Find out more

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Perinatal Support Volunteer – LSCFT
The role of the specially trained Perinatal Support Volunteer is to offer one to one contact providing the opportunity to speak to someone who has also been through their own journey, offering support in attending appointments and providing a listening and empathetic ear. Women and their families affected by Mental health during the perinatal period often express that it helps to talk to someone who has been through a similar experience. Volunteers will offer safe, effective and appropriate peer support to the woman that they’re supporting using their experiential skills and knowledge.

Find out more

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Activities Organiser – MS Society
The Lancaster & Morecambe MS Society is looking for a passionate volunteer to join their team as an Activities Organiser ahead of their relaunch in March. This role involves planning events and activities for people in the community affected by MS.

If you’re interested, check this link for more details or reach out via message or email.

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IT Support Volunteer at Bay Veterans’ Association
Bay Veterans’ Association are looking for support with their computers and information technology, including updating desktops and laptops, looking after their website and social media accounts, liaising with their IT provider, and maintaining databases.

Find out more about this role

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Become a Trustee with SAFE
Have you always wanted to support your local community? Share your skills or interests to help others? Have some time spare and want to help but might not know how? SAFE can help! SAFE are currently seeking trustees to join their team and help them to shape the future of SAFE and enable support for the local community. The charity are seeking roles including: A Chair of Trustee, Trustees to support with Fundraising, Admin & HR, as well as general support roles. Trustee roles are remote and suggested a monthly commitment of 3-5 hours (This can vary each month depending on the charity’s activities) with quarterly trustee meetings. Please contact CEO Keeley to find out more [email protected] or 07568937988.

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REMAP Volunteers Wanted 
REMAP are in urgent need of volunteers with DIY and problem-solving skills to design and make aids to help people with disabilities where there is nothing available commercially. In particular they need people in FY and PR post code areas. 

The equipment, produced by their team of dedicated volunteers, can help with day-to-day tasks such as mobility, personal care or eating. Or it can enable the client to pursue a hobby or ambition, such as participating in a sport or art activity. 

Please take a look at their website for more information or contact [email protected] 

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Lead Volunteer for Premises – The Gregson Centre
Can you support the Gregson Centre, working with staff and volunteers to help them as they move forward with renovations and improvements to their slightly dilapidated but very well used Victorian building? 

Visit here for full details and to apply 

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Various Volunteer Roles with Harmony Health CIC 
Harmony Health is a new CIC working to support health and wellbeing in Lancaster communities and they need volunteers to support them with: 

  • Bookkeeping
  • Social media
  • Administration
  • Horticulture
  • Direct health and wellbeing support 

Find out more about each role and how to get involved 

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Fundraising Volunteer – Beyond Radio 
Beyond Radio would love to hear from anyone who feels they could support them by offering their knowledge and experience of fundraising, helping with grant finding and general fundraising activities.  

Visit here for more information including how to apply 

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Van Drivers and Delivery Assistants  
The 3R Foundation charity shop in Carnforth needs volunteer van drivers and delivery assistants.  

See here for more details including how to apply  

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Under 18 Volunteering 
We’ve had a great response over the last few months to our call for opportunities for under 18s to volunteer, but we really want to widen participation as much as we can. So, if you have any roles for under 18s to support your organisation or project, please let us know. 

Like the idea of involving under 18s but have concerns? Perhaps you’re worried about insurance, or safeguarding – whatever your question, let us know and we can support you to engage under 18s with your work. 

We are still getting requests from parents and students looking for volunteering opportunities for people aged between 14 and 17, so if you’d like to offer them something, let us know. 

Please email [email protected] with the details. 

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Opportunities for Volunteering from Home 
Do you have any volunteering roles that can be done from home? We would like to increase the number of options that are available for people who either cannot, or would prefer not to, go out to volunteer. 

This can include people with disabilities; people who are challenged by anxiety, depression, or other mental wellbeing issues; people with short-term illness or injury that prevents them from going out; people who are isolating because of some other health related issue; or perhaps just people who want to do something but would find it more convenient to work from home. 

Roles that could be done from home could include things like administration, finance, social media, marketing and promotion, telephone befriending etc and often would only require minimal equipment, such as a computer and an internet connection. 

Please contact [email protected] with your volunteering needs. We have volunteers waiting for home-based roles, so there is potential for a quick referral. 

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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. 

Health & Wellbeing Support in the Lancaster District
Discover the Lancaster District Directory, your go-to resource for finding essential services offered by local community groups, the NHS, and local authorities. From health and fitness to mental wellbeing, financial advice, and job skills, this comprehensive directory has it all. Easily browse through detailed listings, contact information, and referral instructions to access the support you need.

Voluntary organisations can also participate at no cost, gaining visibility and facilitating referrals.

Explore the directory at directory.lancastercvs.org.uk and connect with services to enhance your wellbeing. For more information or to join, email [email protected] or call 01524 555900.

Help could be closer than you think!

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Lune Valley Gentle Water Workout Classes
Lune Valley Swimming Pool is hosting Gentle Water Workout classes that offer a low-impact way to stay active and protect your joints, bones, and muscles. Sessions are available on Wednesdays from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm and Fridays from 9:45 am to 10:45 am, featuring popular hits from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. The cost is £7.85 per session or £39.25 for a block of five sessions, and spaces are limited.

To book a place, please contact Georgia at [email protected] or call 01524 805666.

View the Lune Valley Swimming Pool website

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Women’s Health Hub Survey 
The ICB Lancashire and South Cumbria Women’s Health Programme is conducting a survey aimed at all women across the LSC footprint to understand and gather women’s views on support for women’s health issues, where women’s health hubs should be located, how they could be accessed, and any barriers. 

They would really like to capture thoughts from their female residents about Women’s Health Hubs located in the community and in relation to an online Women’s Health Hub. 

Take part in this anonymous survey here 

Closing Date: Friday 28th February 2025 at 5pm 

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NHS Survey for Better Care 
The NHS looks at health data to understand who might need hospital and other healthcare in the future. This is called ‘risk stratification’, and it helps to: 

  • Spot who might need emergency or urgent care 
  • Prevent health problems before they get worse 
  • Reduce unexpected hospital visits 
  • lan better healthcare support 

This information will be collected by the NHS from GP practices and hospitals, identifying individuals who need extra support. GP practices will then be informed, if needed, so they can offer help.  

The survey will close at 11:59pm on Sunday 23 February 2025.  

Read more and complete the survey. 

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Age UK Open Day 
Stay active, engaged and connected at Morecambe’s new Day Club.

Join in for a day of fun, live entertainment and plenty of coffee and cake. Explore what the Day Club has to offer, meet the team and take a sneak peek into the activities that make the club a special place for older adults in the community. There will be something on offer for everyone including, gentle exercises, cognitive games and group discussions. All are welcome and entry is free.

Time and Date: Starting Friday the 14th of March 2025, 10am-2pm 
Location: The Rainbow Centre, Clarence Road, Morecambe, LA1 5EX 

For more information please call: 0300 303 1234 or email [email protected] 

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MS Society Events
Exciting news! The MS Society Lancaster and Morecambe Group is back, and they’re kicking off 2025 with two wonderful opportunities to connect with their community. 

Grand Relaunch Celebration
Saturday the 22nd of March 2025, 10:30am – 2pm, Holiday Inn, Waterside Park, Caton Rd, Lancaster LA1 3RA 

Join in for an inspiring morning with local organisations and charities. 

Save a spot here! 

If you require more information, please contact the group via [email protected] or call Paul Smithson on 07827 281109 

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Healthwatch Lancashire Women’s Health Feedback 
Phase 1 of the Healthwatch Lancashire Women’s Health report is now live after their survey gathered the opinions of over 300 women in Lancashire on the state of healthcare available to them. 

They discovered three key themes that were shared by women when asked their main priorities and concerns. These were Mental Health, Gynaecological Health and Menopause. 

They are now encouraging women across Lancashire to get in touch and share their personal experiences navigating these three key themes and what support they are accessing or would like to see more of.  

Get in touch by calling 01524 239100 or visiting the site here 

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Help Is Close Podcast 
Knowing how to find help when it comes to mental health and wellbeing can be a challenge. In this edition of When Life Gives You Lemons hosts Joanna Young and the Rev Ian Dewar hear about Help Is Close, a Lancaster district-wide, mental health support campaign aimed at all ages. 

Listen here! 

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Health Research with People in Prison or on Probation
The Chief Medical Officer will be reporting to government on the health of people in prison and on probation in England. The Science Office at the Ministry of Justice is supporting the report and running a survey about conducting health research with these populations.

The aim of the research is to understand the facilitators and challenges are to conducting health research with this population, and what changes could increase the quantity, quality and impact of such research.

Respondents must currently be active in, or have previously considered, attempted or completed research with people in prison or on probation in England, where the aim of the research was to use data to investigate their health or healthcare provision. Respondents must have been based externally to the Ministry of Justice, its agencies, or other government departments at the time of their research.

Find out more and respond to the survey

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Warrior Down Substance Misuse Support Service 
The Warrior Down LERO (Lived Experience Recovery Organisation) is committed to contributing to reducing health inequality, addressing unmet need and supporting community well-being. 

Their staff team benefits from over 30 years combined experience in the local VCFSE sector and they are now offering a range of activities across the whole week for those at any stage of their recovery journey. These include Recovery Support, Emotional Resilience and Mindset and DayHab/Drop in.  

Groups are open to anyone without the need for a formal referral.  People can just show up and they will make them welcome. 

To find out more or get in contact visit their website here 

Location: RRCC, 74 West End Road, Morecambe, LA4 4DY 

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HELP IS CLOSE – Lancaster District Mental Health Support Campaign
It was recently the launch of a Lancaster District all-age mental health support campaign, designed to connect people of all ages with the physical and mental health resources they need while reducing loneliness and isolation. Over the coming weeks, look out for digital ads, posters, postcards, and beer mats appearing across Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, and nearby areas.

We encourage everyone to share campaign content, including digital ads, reels, and shorts, on social media using the hashtag #helpisclose.

If you’d like posters or postcards covering the campaign’s themes, email [email protected]. Digital versions of all the adverts can be found on the campaign website. Thank you to everyone who has supported the initiative so far and to those helping spread the word.

Remember, HELP IS CLOSE—sometimes, people just need a hand to find it.

Visit the Lancaster Digital Directory for HELP!

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Bay Veterans Association Healthy Heart Programme
Bay Medical Group have funded fifteen spaces on this new programme starting on 24 February. Participants will learn how to manage and reduce the symptoms associated with various chronic health conditions with professional support and guidance.

The programme incudes an in-depth health assessment, advice and education tailored to your condition, chair based exercise classes, and peer support.

To join the programme, call Bay Veterans Association on 01524 737787.

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Talk Club Peer to Peer Talking Groups
Talk Club is a UK male mental health charity helping men to improve their mental health. talking groups actively help men to understand how they’re feeling by asking ‘How are you? Out of 10?’ then explaining why. It helps to build resilience.

On average, a TC talk and listen group raises a man’s mental fitness by over 15%.

Talk & Listen groups are now starting in Lancaster and Morecambe.

Lancaster, on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month starting on 23 January, 7pm – 9pm at Hope Church. Email Francis Dawson for further information at [email protected]

Morecambe, on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, starting on 16 January, 6pm – 8pm at Stanleys Community Centre. Email William Norris for further information at [email protected]

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Have Your Say on New Hospital Sites
The proposed locations for new hospital sites replacing Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary have been announced, and public engagement is now underway. A series of listening events, roadshows, and focus groups will take place across Lancashire and South Cumbria from February to March 2025, ensuring that local voices help shape the future of healthcare in the region.

Join NHS leaders and clinicians at in-person events to share your views. If you can’t attend, a survey will be available online, by post, and by phone. Registration opened at 12 noon on 14 January: newhospitals.info/HaveYourSay.

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Virtual Village Hall
The Virtual Village Hall, created by the Royal Voluntary Service, provides free online activities to support physical and mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and encourage new hobbies. With over 2,000 on-demand sessions and 12-15 live weekly events, it offers a variety of options, including exercise, mindfulness, arts, and cooking. Designed for all, it’s particularly valuable for health and social care professionals as a resource to support clients, promote social connection, and address health inequalities.

Visit their website for more info

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Westgate Neighbourhood Centre – New Horizons
Come along to the Westgate Neighbourhood Centre in Morecambe for the “New Horizons” programme, starting Thursday 13th February 2025 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM. This 12-week personal development course offers a FREE wellness session in week one, including massage, nails, beauty, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to gain a Level 1 certificate and a Level 2 in Mental Health First Aid. Connect with others, gain transferrable skills in a supportive environment, and enjoy light refreshments and gifts from us.

Book your place by calling 01524 581280.

View the event poster here

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Free 2-Day Health Coaching Training – Jan to March 2025 
Active Lancashire is offering free 2-day Health Coaching courses for health and well-being organisations in Lancashire and South Cumbria. This training supports behaviour change, empowering individuals to manage their health through shared decision-making. It’s part of the NHS Long Term Plan and has proven benefits for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease while reducing healthcare demand. 

Spaces are limited—register via the application form by emailing [email protected]  

View Health Coaching flyer 
View Structuring Health Coaching Conversation leaflet 
Download Health Coaching application form 

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Coffee and Connect-One Stop Shop 
Lune Park Family Hub are launching new regular and welcoming afternoons where you can connect with others in a warm and friendly environment where practical advice will be in on hand for: 

  • Housing
  • Finance
  • Employment 
  • Parenting/ Triple P Advice 
  • Emotional Health & Wellbeing 
  • Relationships 

These afternoons started on Friday the 17th of January and will be every third Friday of the month at 1-3pm. Free hot drinks and snacks will be provided and there will be toys available to keep your little ones entertained! 

Location: Lune Park Family Hub, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN 

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Triple P Courses 
Lancashire County Council’s Positive Parenting Program, are running courses aiming to promote a positive, caring relationship between you and your child. Empowering you as a parent/carer to choose the skills and values you wish to promote in your child and help them develop skills they need to tackle everyday situations. 

Here are the upcoming dates, times and locations: 

  • Wednesday 26th Feb 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 13:00-15:00 Poulton  
  • Thursday 27th Feb 2025 (6 weeks) Group 9:30-11:30 Lune Park  
  • Tuesday 22nd April 2025 (7 weeks) Teen 6:00-8:00 Teams  
  • Wednesday 4th Jun 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 13:00-15:00 Poulton  
  • Thursday 5th Jun 2025 (6 Weeks) Group 9.30-11.30 Lune Park 

For more information or to book a place please call – 01524 581280 or email [email protected]. 

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Stay Connected with Your Integrated Care Community (ICC) 
Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) are integrated teams of health and care workers, third sector organisations, statutory organisations and wider community assets. We work together with the aim to improve physical & mental health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. 

In the Lancaster District we have 3 ICCs, Lancaster, Bay and Carnforth. Each hosts a monthly online networking meeting which is a great opportunity to meet new partners, find out what is happening locally and share updates of your own.  Each ICC also has a Facebook page and a monthly newsletter that goes out far and wide. 

If you aren’t available to go along to a meeting but have something to share – don’t worry! Jenny, our Community Health Officer, attends each ICC and is very happy to update the meeting on your behalf – sharing items of news or events that are coming up.  

Contacts for each of the ICC’s are below. 

Lancaster ICC – Sarah Baines (development lead) – [email protected] / Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Bay ICC – Anji Stokes (development lead) – [email protected]  / Amy Dawson (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Carnforth ICC – Hayley Clarke  (development lead) – [email protected]  / Janette Wright (ICC admin) –  [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]
View the health coaching flyer

Young people: what training and skills do you need for the life you’re after?
We want to hear young people’s views about this – we’ll give them a £30 thank you for taking part, and we’ll lay on pizza too!

Are you aged between 16 and 25? If so, we’d love you to come to our community conversation to share your experiences of education and training and tell us about the future you want to build. We’ll also use some creative activities to look at how to access the skills and the life you want.  Your ideas will go to Lancaster City Council and the Lancaster District Young People’s Foundation to improve training and education in the future.

Everyone is welcome – whether you’re in work, education or training or none of those, we want to hear from you!

When: 24th February 4:30pm – 7:30pm

Where: Lancaster and Morecambe College Employer Hub (LA1 2TY)

Pay: If you book to take part and attend the whole session you’ll get £30 as a thank you for your time. We can also cover transport costs and provide childcare if needed.

Accessibility: If you have any requirements let us know; we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

To book a place at this community conversation please email Caterine Westwell at [email protected]

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Escape2Make Fair 
Join in the fun for a city-wide celebration! There will be FREE drop-in workshops for all, produced by Lancaster & Morecambe’s 11–18-year-olds with the fun beginning at the Escape2Make Centre in Lancaster. 

Time and Date:  Saturday 22nd February, 11am-4pm 
Location: Escape2Make Centre, 56 Church Street, Lancaster, LA1 1LH 

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NSPCC Action for Wellness Campaign Webinars
As part of the Action for Wellness campaign with the NSPCC, webinars are being organised for professionals and parents. These sessions aim to educate attendees on the resources available to support children and young people.

Rescheduled: Childline Lunch and Learn
Danielle Harris, Childline’s team manager, will deliver a session for professionals and volunteers to learn more about Childline, how It can support young people, and how they can access its support.

Thursday, March 6 · 1 – 2pm 
Book here

Childline, Parent Session
Discover NSPCC’s partnered service, Childline, a free 24/7 service for children and young people.

There will be two identical sessions to ensure as many parents are possible can attend.

  • Tuesday, March 4th 1 – 2pm
  • Wednesday, March 5 · 6 – 7pm

Book the Afternoon session
Book the Evening session

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School Readiness Event 
Professionals, school partners, early years providers parents and carers can visit the Lune Park Family Hun to share their knowledge, top tips and good ideas. Get practical advice on:  

  • Communication 
  • Top tips on toilet training 
  • Early literacy and numeracy 
  • Parenting / Triple P Advice 
  • Building independence and social skills 

Cake and hot drinks available alongside treats and goody bags for your little ones. 

Time and Date: Friday 21st March , 1-4pm 
Location: Lune Park Family Hub, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN 

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Lancashire Mind Youth Advisory Group
Lancashire Mind are recruiting across the county for young people aged 14-18 to get involved with a new Youth Advisory Group. Their aim is that Youth Advisors lead with the feedback and evaluation of their services for young people as well as becoming a part of focus groups within the organisation.

Young people will be given practical training to build key skills in mental health, leadership, and will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of coproduction and service design in a leading mental health charity.

Anyone interested in taking part can find out more and apply here

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Young People’s Barriers to Accessing Library Services
Lancaster County Council are working as part of the Association of Senior Children’s and Education Librarians youth engagement network to share best practices for working with young people across the UK.

The Council would like to engage a small group of young people who may face barriers to accessing library services, working with them throughout 2025 to garner their advice and ideas. The project will be co-produced; ideally, the young people involved should initiate and develop the ideas. These barriers could relate to mental health, LGBTQIA+, SEND, diverse communities, people seeking sanctuary, etc.

If you can support or know a group of young people who would like to be involved in this project, please contact John Haigh, Bibliotherapy and Wellbeing Officer – [email protected]

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Independent Visitor with Young People in Care – NYAS 
The National Youth Advocacy Service needs your help to support young people in local authority care. As an Independent Visitor you will visit, advise, and befriend the child or young person on a minimum basis of one visit per month, sharing quality one to one time.  

Visit here for full details and to apply. 

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BEE Unique Sessions
BEE UNIQUE Autism, a non-profit charity that supports families with children who have special educational needs (SEN) provide exclusive activities and sessions in the Lancaster district. These sessions are designed to help children enjoy everyday activities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. No official diagnosis is required for children to attend, and siblings and family members are welcome.

The charity is run by parents of SEN children and professionals who volunteer their time, ensuring that no expenses are taken. All funds raised are used to subsidise costs, enabling as many SEN families as possible to benefit from their support.

View poster one
View poster two

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Family Hubs What’s On 2025
The Family Hub centres have provided their new year schedule of events which provide various support sessions and activities for families and young children.

Baby and You sessions on Monday mornings provide engaging, age-appropriate activities for babies and parents. Infant Massage sessions on Tuesdays offer bonding time and development support with booking required. Chat Play Read sessions on Wednesdays help children under 5 develop speech and language skills. Development Matters on Friday mornings offers stimulating activities for young children.

Parenting support includes Breastfeeding Peer Support Group on Mondays and Positive Relationships, Stronger Families courses on Tuesdays. Citizen Advice sessions on Wednesdays provide practical advice, and Warm Space drop-ins on Fridays offer a supportive environment for connection.

Monthly Coffee and Connect/One Stop Shop and M.A.T.C.H (Men and Their Children) events provide further opportunities for parents to gather and share experiences.

View the What’s On Guide

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Barnardo’s Supported Lodgings
The Supported Lodgings services offers a unique opportunity to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 16-25 as they transition into adulthood. Supported Lodgings hosts offer a safe and stable home, provide guidance and emotional support, help the development of independent living skills, and have access to a dedicated support worker to address any challenges.

Hosts are provided with a 24/7 helpline and weekly financial support.

Supported Lodgings are expanding across Lancashire so if you have a spare room, want to support young people, and are a patient good listener, please contact Saira Hussain at [email protected]

Download the leaflet to find out more

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Join the new Morecambe Bay Curriculum Working Groups
Would you like:

  • funding for your place-based green project ideas?
  • top notch CPD delivered by Lancaster University, Eden Project, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University of Cumbria and Health Professionals?
  • to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who feel passionately about the power of teaching and learning?
  • to weave sustainability, place and the environment into your day-to-day practice?
  • a say in shaping the Morecambe Bay Curriculum and Eden Project Morecambe?

If so, consider joining one of the MBC working groups, focusing on one of primary, secondary, special educational needs and disabilities, or alternative provision.

The MBC team will be on hand to support each group as you meet regularly to explore your collective interests and develop projects, curriculum resources or campaigns that you think will make a difference in your setting.

Working Groups start in February 2025 and culminate in July 2026. Groups will meet approximately every one or two months for around 60 – 90 minutes, followed by termly inter-phase twilight CPD.

Find out more and apply

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Inside Out – Support for Children (8-11 Years) 
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service offers free weekly sessions for children aged 8-11 (Key Stage 2) who may be struggling with emotions, anxious behaviours, or low confidence. Kids can explore feelings, manage worries, build confidence, and enjoy creative, physical, and fun activities with peers. 

  • Carnforth Neighbourhood Centre – Mondays, 3:30-4:30 PM
  • Morecambe Library, Central Drive – Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 PM

No booking needed – just turn up! For more info, call 01524 581280. 

See the C&FWS poster here 

‘Your Pots – Your Say’ 2024: Stories from the Pots of Possibility Voting Day
Take a look at this inspiring short film by the Lancaster Film Initiative that captures the community spirit of voting for the Pots of Possibility fund. The video highlights the “Your Pots – Your Say” event, where local residents decided which projects should receive funding to improve North Lancashire’s economy and community. With eleven local charities bidding for up to £10,000 in funding, this participatory budgeting model gives the community a real say in how charity funds are allocated. Watch the film to see the impact of local voting in action.

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Rapid Rainforest Assessment Training
Come along to Quakers’ Wood at Rookhow for a one-day Rapid Rainforest Assessment Training. This beginner’s course will equip you with the practical tools and confidence to assess local temperate rainforest habitats in Cumbria, from understanding their unique characteristics to identifying current threats. You’ll also receive guidance on using the RRA App for data collection, with follow-up support to help you put your new skills into practice. It is advised to come prepared with appropriate outdoor clothing, pen and paper, and a packed lunch (tea and coffee provided).

Spaces are limited, so email [email protected] to secure your spot. This training is part of a broader effort to restore our rainforests under the Rainforest Restoration Project, led by Woodland Trust and Plantlife.

Date & time: Friday 11 April 2025, 10m-4pm
Location: Quakers’ Wood at Rookhow, Colton, LA12 8LA

Find out more about this event

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Way of the Roses Litter Pick & Planting Day
The People’s Jury on Climate Change are working alongside City Council and the Good Things Collective as part of a community led creative refresh, repair and revitalisation of the Morecambe end of the Lancaster-Morecambe Greenway.

As part of the efforts to revitalise the Greenway where it meets Hilmore Way, the public are invited to a litter pick and planting day on 22 February from 10am – 12 noon.

Find out more and register to attend

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Insect Wildlife Wanders – Free Walks
Over the past two years, Rob Zloch and Belinda Nixie have been leading insect wildlife wanders, workshops and talks for organisations such as North Lancashire Wildlife Group, U3A, and The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery. Rob and Belinda want to awareness of and love for insects and to spread the word about their worth as individual species and as part of our ecosystem.

Insects are in spectacular decline and England is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. They are fascinating in form and function and they are wildlife that we can all observe and study all around us – in our own gardens, in any park, hedgerow or verge. Along with plants, insects are key to every terrestrial food chain and so their overall success or failure affects all other wildlife.

If you’d like to organise a walk at no charge to your group or project, to help get more people interested in and noticing insects or participating in citizen science projects, contact Belinda at [email protected] or Rob at [email protected]

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Friends of Lancaster Library – Community Growing Talks
Two talks from the Friends of Lancaster Library’s February Programme examine community growing.

18 February, 12:30pm – Steve Jenkins: No dig, just grow: eleven years of community no dig growing

27 February, 12:30pm – Kathy Barton: The Claver Hill Community Farm

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The Blue Festival 2025
Ryelands Primary and Nursery School Blue Influencers (The Blue Crew) are hosting their second Blue Festival, this time at the Platform in Morecambe on the afternoon of the 19th of March. The event is free to attend. We are also looking for volunteers to help us out on the day.

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The BIG Carnforth Litter Pick and Bottle Top Challenge
Blue Influencers from Carnforth Community Primary School have set two BIG challenges related to cleaning up Carnforth. They are looking for volunteers to join them for a BIG litter pick on the 25th of March, and are collecting loose bottle tops until the 28th of March 2025, to raise awareness of the amount of plastic that enters our waters each year.

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Lancaster District Green Spaces Community Forum
Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer at Lancaster District CVS will speak about social prescribing and green spaces. Attendees can share recent news from their places and meet others working on similar activities.

26 March. Meet at 5pm at the memorial stone on Derwent Road for a visit to Miss Whalley’s Field, meeting starts 6pm at The Gregson.

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Free Seed Potatoes
Following Lancaster’s Potato Day, 74kg of seed potatoes are still seeking a home to be planted in this season. Claver Hill is offering community groups and food projects these seed potatoes for free in 5kg or 10kg bags.

Contact [email protected] if you would like a bag.

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Cooking Workshops this Spring
The Closing Loops project is hosting two series of cooking workshops with local chefs and community cooks this spring:

Worldwide cuisine cooking workshop
February to May 2025

A series of six workshops with Vaso Makri, inspired by the ‘A Taste of Home’ project run by Global Link in 2023-24. The workshops re-imagine traditional Kurdish, Lebanese, Hungarian, Persian and Greek recipes by using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients,

Climate and budget-friendly cooking classes with Marina Tcaci
A programme of three classes hosted at Brew Bakery, focusing on seasonal produce and avoiding food waste.

  • Sunday 23 February: Cooking with leftover roasted (or boiled) potato
  •  Sunday 9 March: Cabbage: the bright side of the moon
  •  Sunday 23 March: Cooking with leftover mashed potato

Find out more and book a session

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Develop your Permaculture Design skills!
LESS and FoodFutures are organising a 2-week Permaculture Design course. All food and board are included, and the two weeks will be based around the Halton Mill co-working, studios & event space.

Time and Date: Saturday 15 March 2025 3pm – Saturday 29 March 2025 7pm.

Book by 21 Feb!

Find out more and book your place

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Growing Food & Community Sessions Return in 2025!
Join a series of workshops during 2025, covering all aspects of local food growing, from site design to how to set up your project, from seed saving to propagation, from beekeeping to chutney making!

The sessions provide a useful starting point for anyone considering setting up a local community growing space or thinking of growing your own.

You can now book the spring sessions.

Book onto a session today

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Allotment Skill Shares
Following the Lancaster District Allotment Review, a number of skill shares will take forward some of the review’s recommendations around building allotments’ resilience.

A recording from Mark Simmonds’s training on ‘legal structures and good governance for allotments & other community food projects’ is now available to watch on YouTube.

A skill share on ‘committee structures and members roles‘ is being organised on Saturday 8 March where a light lunch will be provided.

Time and Date: Saturday the 8th  of March 2025, 10:00am – 2pm

Location: Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, LA1 1TX

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Closing Loops Ideas Generation Workshops
Over the next two months, local democracy group Deliberate will be holding idea generation workshops in the areas of Lancaster District where there have been less community projects.

To shape these workshops, Deliberate want to hear from you about what you would like to see where you live.

The question is simple:

Imagine a future where our economy looks after our communities and restores the environment. What would you like to see in your local area?

Deliberate is supported by the Pots of Possibility fund and these workshops will directly shape how we fund projects going forwards so do share your views and vote on other people’s ideas by visiting pol.is and getting involved!

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Un-named Book Club
For almost two years, the un-named book club has been meeting each month at the Gregson to explore social and environmental issues that concern us all. Using a book, podcast or visual content as a starting point, book club attendees learn from authors from around the world and from each other; looking for inspiration and tools to create ways of living that help regenerate the health of our planet and all those living on it.

Read this blog post to find out more about what the book club has been reading and how to read and listen along in 2025.

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Pots of Possibility: Making Great Ideas Happen
The 2025 rounds of ‘community grants’ and ‘Your Pots’ will be announced soon, so start dreaming and shaping your ideas.

Deliberate CIC are working with Closing Loops to run community conversations across Lancaster District in locations which were underrepresented in the previous Pots of Possibility funding rounds.

These workshops with community groups seek to generate new project ideas and get more people involved in the annual ‘Your Pots’ voting day. To frame the discussions at these workshops, you can now vote and share your ideas on regenerative economies, including potential projects, in an interactive online survey on a platform called Pol.is.

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Good Business Bootcamp Workshop
What can your organisation do to build a ‘good’ business’ and have a positive impact on your local communities and the environment? The Closing Loops project is working with Future Fixers to offer free accredited training to local businesses, social enterprises, charities and other organisations who want to develop their enterprise while caring for people and planet.

Free to eligible organisations who can commit to attending both sessions.

Time and Date: Tuesdays 4th and 11th of March 2025, 10am to 1pm
Location: Lancaster

Places are limited to 12 participants, so please sign up asap

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Winter Recipe Challenge
Do you have a favourite winter recipe? Join the winter recipe challenge!

The  FoodFutures Closing Loops project would like you to take part in the North Lancashire winter recipe challenge. Recipes should either use ingredients that are local and seasonal to North Lancashire or have something to do with local history. Recipes could also reflect the great diversity of food cultures that we have in our region.

View all details and send in your recipe

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Forming a Lancashire Food Alliance
A LancsCAN grant is supporting workshops which will explore the concept of a Lancashire Food Alliance, bringing together Sustainable Food Places Partnerships, LancsCAN members, and other food partnerships and networks from across Lancashire to explore ways to meaningfully support each other and work together to shift our local food system at a county level.

Each workshop will build on the previous ones, however you do not have attend all three.

Workshop 3 – Creating a shared vision and an action plan
Weds 12th March 2025 – in person. Venue TBC (9:30-12:30 followed by lunch)

This session will focus on the leverage points identified in workshop 2 to understand what success looks like and how we will get there. As part of this, next steps will be agreed for how this Lancashire-wide group should continue to meet and communicate and take forward actions.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EARW

For further information please contact Ellie Shackleton at [email protected]

The Power of Music in support of Positive Futures
The Lancaster Grand Theatre is hosting an evening of live music, showcasing local talent and supporting Positive Futures, who provide mental health, wellbeing and crisis support to people across Lancaster and Morecambe.

23 March, 7:15pm, Grand Theatre.

£12.50

Find out more and book

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Art Classes at the Rainbow Centre
Do you have a creative side and are looking for an outlet to unleash it? The Rainbow Centre, Morecambe is running a member facilitated art session with Leighanne to include a number of artistic mediums including pastels, watercolours, acrylics and more. If you are interested in attending these sessions pleased speak to Paul or Dawn at the Rainbow Centre.

Dates & times: Wednesdays, 10am-12pm (started February 12th).
Location: Rainbow Centre Morecambe, Clarence St., Morecambe.

View their event advert on Facebook.

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Lancaster & Morecambe Pride Event Feedback Request
Lancaster and Morecambe Pride 2025 is inviting you to share your thoughts and help shape this year’s events. The team is seeking feedback from both LGBTQIA+ community members and allies on past experiences, future attendance plans, and suggestions for enhancing the Pride celebrations—from live music and community stalls to a broader week-long programme of events. Your input on what benefits Pride events bring to our community is invaluable.

Please take a few moments to complete this survey and help us make Pride 2025 even bigger and better.

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Hospital in the Mind Screening
Hospital in the Mind Film Screening is a thought-provoking event organised by CCrAMHP, exploring what the therapeutic community approach can offer in 2025. This engaging documentary delves into the pioneering work at Cassel Hospital, featuring the experiences of four generations of patients, nurses, and therapists. The event welcomes mental health service users, survivors, family members, carers, professionals, researchers, and students interested in rethinking mental health care. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 6pm.

Date & time: 19 March 2025 from 6.15pm
Location: Cavendish Colloquium, Lancaster University Bailrigg.

Find out more and reserve your place

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Jazz Trio Gig
Following the success of the Propellor concert in December, Rookhow is hosting another informal gig this April. The event will feature Sam, a jazz drummer studying at a London conservatoire, performing alongside two friends as they showcase original compositions and free improvisation. Refreshments will be served from 7:30pm with the music set to run from 8-9pm, and entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. Please see the event poster for further details.

Date & time: 1 April 2025, 7.30-9pm
Location: Rookhow, Rusland, LA12 8LA

Email to reserve a place – [email protected]

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Playreading Club at The Dukes
The Dukes is launching a new Playreading Club on the first Wednesday of every month in the Gallery. The club invites all budding drama enthusiasts to explore and discuss classic plays, from Shakespeare to Noël Coward, with no prior experience required. Sessions are led by Emma Nixon, Creative Administrator & Programme Coordinator, and free to attend.

The first session will be on March 5, 2025, 11:30am. For more information or to sign up, email Emma at [email protected], or visit the Dukes website.

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Free Bike Coding Event 
Come along to a free pedal cycle marking service on 19th February 2025 at the sports complex at the University of Cumbria off Wyresdale Road in Lancaster. Bring your bike along and make the most of this free service. 

Time and Date: Between 11am and 1pm 
Location: University of Cumbria Sorts Complex, Bowerham Rd, Lancaster, LA1 3JD 

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Baylight 2025 
Baylight ’25 celebrates seaside heritage, featuring enchanting illuminated floats and dazzling displays along Morecambe’s iconic promenade.

The main event will showcase an expanded collection of 18 stunning installations and 1 mile of lighting surprises, transformations and experiences designed by an eclectic mix of local and national artists, with an array of selfie moments. The trail, strategically positioned along Morecambe Seafront, extends over a mile from the Sailing Club Jetty to the Midland Hotel, offering a breathtaking journey along the curving shapes of Morecambe Bay. 

Read all about the free Baylight event here 

Time and Date: 21st – 22nd February 2025, 6pm – 9.30pm (Saturday Night Magical Parade 6pm-7pm) 

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Coffee and Connect One Stop Shop 
This is a chance for people to drop in and connect with others in a warm and friendly environment where they can get practical advice on:  

  • Housing 
  • Employment 
  • Parenting/ Triple P Advice 
  • Emotional Health & Wellbeing 
  • Relationships 

Hot drinks and snacks are provided and there are toys to keep little ones entertained! 

Time and Date: Every third Friday of the month, 1PM – 3PM (Term time only) 
Location: Lune Park Family Hub, Ryelands Park, Owen Road, Lancaster, LA1 2LN 

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The Great CancerCare Ball
CancerCare cordially invites you to The Great CancerCare Ball. Held on 21st March 2025 at Morecambe FC’s Mazuma Stadium, The Great CancerCare Ball takes inspiration from the Roaring 1920s, the golden age of Hollywood glamour.

Highlights of the evening include a welcome drinks reception on arrival, a three-course dinner, a photo booth and live entertainment from 1920s swing band Bertie & The Spiffs, a five-piece ensemble who will provide the perfect beats to get your feet moving. A range of unique prizes – from local experiences to bespoke items – will also be up for grabs in a live auction.

Book your tickets here

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SAFE Inaugural Glitter Ball
SAFE helps to support young people and adults who may be experiencing difficulties with their health and wellbeing. The charity is holding their first fundraising ball, featuring a three course meal, entertainment, and a raffle and auction.

Tickets are £55 per person, with a discount for a table of ten bookings.

22 March, 7pm – 12:30am, Mazuma Stadium.

Email [email protected] to get your tickets.

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Free Tennis and Pickleball Open Day 
Lancaster Tennis Club are holding a FREE Tennis and Pickleball Open Day for families and adults. 

It’s especially aimed at families and juniors, but adults are equally welcome. All standards are catered for including beginners or people who haven’t played since school. And there will also be a chance to try the fast-growing game of Pickleball.  

They offer a full programme of after-school and Saturday junior tennis coaching for all ages from 4 years old up, as well as adult coaching for beginners and intermediate players.  

Time and Date: Saturday April 12th, 11am to 1pm 

Location: 17 Lune Road, LA1 5QU 

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Yealand Village Events
Litter Pick
Saturday 15 March, at the Village Hall. Grabs and bags provided.

Digital Support Session
Get support and advice around using digital devices. 24 February 11am at the Village Hall.

Coffee Stop
Meet your neighbours every Monday, 10:30am at the Village Hall

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Acrylic Art on Canvas Workshop   
Animal Care and ColourWheel Lancaster are hosting a special canvas tote bag acrylic art workshop in the Education Room at Animal Care in Scotforth. Tickets are £36 including light lunch. All materials provided and you will be able to take home your very own original canvas tote bag creation! All proceeds go to Animal Care. Tickets are strictly limited so get yours fast! 

Time and Date: Saturday March 8th, 11am-2pm 
Location: Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth,  Lancaster, LA2 ORD 

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

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80s Music Quiz and Disco Evening 
Get your six-strong quiz team together, brush off your legwarmers and join the brilliant DJ, Danny Matthews, Animal Care staff and supporters for an evening of 80s nostalgia, quizzing and disco dancing! Fancy dress encouraged. Only £10 for entry to quiz and disco. Starts at 7.30pm with quiz at 8pm followed by an 80s disco! Dazzle everyone with your amazing dance moves! Dance to help the dogs and conga to save the cats!  

All welcome, and all proceeds go to Animal Care. 

Time and Date: Saturday the 29th of March, 7:30 onwards 

Location: Animal Care, Blea Tarn Road, Scotforth, Lancaster, LA2 ORD 

For more details contact [email protected] or 01524 65495 

Book for this event here

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3 Bridges 10k race 
The popular 3 Bridges 10k race is back again in 2025! This is always a popular race with runners from all over the north-west taking part, often as a fast preparation for spring marathons and other longer races.  It’s also very suitable for beginner runners, perhaps moving up from a Parkrun to a longer race. 

The entry fee is £21 for members of running clubs (affiliated), £23 for non-members and £17 for Lancaster Runners members, with an extra fee for on-line bookings. Entries on the day are £25, or £20 for Lancaster Runners.  No refunds once registered. 

The race meets UK Athletics Rules, is Certified Accurate and there are prizes for the first 3 men and the first 3 women finishers.  It has a flat, fast and scenic route and there will also be a really nice medal for all finishers. 

Enter here and for any queries please visit 

Time and Date: Sunday the 13rd of April, 11am 

Location: Lancaster & Morecambe Athletic Club clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Doris Henderson Way, LA1 5JS 

Activity Lead with Growing Well
Growing Well are seeking an experienced grower with excellent horticultural and interpersonal skills to work alongside their existing two activity leads in the delivery of field-based, individual goals-based activity for adults experiencing mental ill health, in the context of a thriving commercial growing enterprise.

Salary: £25k p.a. pro rata
Contract: Temporary contact (March-October 2025)/ 3 days per week
Location: Egremont, West Cumbria
Closing date: Friday 31st January

Find out more about this role and apply

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Facilitator with the Talent Foundry
The Talent Foundry is seeking a dynamic, motivational Facilitator to deliver employability workshops to secondary school students in underserved communities across the UK. The role involves engaging large groups of young people, promoting skills-building, confidence-boosting, and career readiness.

Salary: £220 per day
Contract: Part-time/Temporary (during school hours 8.30am-4pm)
Location: Hybrid – Blackpool and other areas
Closing date: 28 February 2025, 2.37pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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Project Manager (Hay Time) – Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust
The Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Manager to lead on delivering their new grassland strategy, focused on offering guidance, advice and support to landowners and communities. You’ll play a critical role in restoring and enhancing wildflower meadows across the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland, as well as helping people to discover, celebrate and enjoy meadows through training, volunteering and events.

Salary: £34,555 – £37,880 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Clapham, near Settle
Closing date: Monday 17 March 2025, 9am

Find out more about this role and apply

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Freelance Housing Worker – West End Morecambe Big Local
West End Morecambe Big Local are looking to recruit a housing worker who can work across the neighbourhood to provide light touch support that helps residents generate collective action around housing, build bridges between different partners, and signpost to potential sources of support.

Contract: Freelance
Anticipated time commitment: between 7.5 and 15 hours per week
Budget: up to £13,528
Closing date for expressions of interest: 24 February, 5pm

Find out more about this freelance opportunity

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Rookhow Assistant Development Worker
Rookhow’s 300 year old Quaker Meeting House and Bunkbarn provides a residential setting for family, school and other groups, provides subsidised stays for community organisations, and runs Quaker and other events.

The Assistant Development Worker’s role is varied, encompassing a variety of practical tasks, responsibilities and administration functions. The successful candidate will be organised, familiar with word processing software, spreadsheets and email, and will have experience of working with volunteers and members of the public.

Salary: £13.45 per hour
Contract: 35 hours per month
Location: At Rookhow and remotely
Closing date: 3 March, 5pm

Find out more and apply

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Communications and Engagement Officer #iwill – Volunteering Matters
Volunteering Matters are looking for a Communications and Engagement Officer to support the #iWill Movement’s social action efforts in Blackpool. The officer will develop and implement communication strategies, create digital content, engage with young people and local partners, and showcase the impact of youth social action. This hybrid role requires strong storytelling, social media management, and stakeholder engagement skills. Flexible working, occasional travel, and evening sessions may be required.

Salary: £17,400 per year
Contract: part-time (21 hours per week)/
Temporary (12 months (Feb 26))
Location: Blackpool
Closing date: 23 February 2025, 12.31pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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Community Network & Partnerships Worker – Skerton Community Centre
Skerton Community Association are looking for a new worker to expand the centre’s reach and increase its impact.

The worker will develop a community outreach programme, promote the centre, develop new activities, and secure new funding.

Salary: £17,096 per annum pro-rata
Contract: 24 hours per week
Closing date: 28 February, 3pm

Download the job advert and job description to find out more.

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] 

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