Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 30 May 2025

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Ryelands and the Power of Community Unity
In the heart of Ryelands, something truly special is happening. A community once facing deep-rooted challenges is coming together to shape its future—led by the people, for the people.  

The Ryelands Community Action Network (CAN) was established in 2018 as a way to bring together residents, local authorities, schools, healthcare workers, police, and voluntary sector representatives. Over the years, Lancaster District CVS have been instrumental in developing this initiative which has strengthened relationships, built trust, and driven real change in the Ryelands community.  

Through years of relationship-building and collaboration, the group has created opportunities for residents to have a voice, shape their neighbourhood, and access vital support. The Community Action Network (CAN) model has proven that when a community listens, works together, and takes action, transformation is possible.  

This week we released an impact video based around the work involved and the journey to date highlighting what inspired the residents and partners to get involved, the importance of working together and their hopes and dreams for the future of the estate.  

Watch our video to hear from those at the heart of this journey and see the power of community in action. 

State of the Sector Survey – Make Sure Your Organisation is Counted
A new survey is now live to better understand and showcase the vital work of voluntary, community, faith, and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across Lancashire and Cumbria. Whether you’re a charity, a grassroots group, or a community club, this is your chance to highlight the value and impact of what you do. The survey is designed to help build a stronger case for investment, support, and recognition of the sector — especially for those who often go unheard.

All types of organisations are encouraged to take part, including those that are small, informal or volunteer-led. It only takes around 20–30 minutes to complete, and you’ll also have the chance to enter a £500 prize draw for your group.

Help shape the future of our sector. Take part and share the survey today!

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VCFSE Sector Survey – Help Shine a Light on Our Region’s Vital Work
A new State of the Sector survey has launched to capture the incredible impact of voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across Lancashire and Cumbria. Developed in partnership, the survey aims to build a clear picture of the sector’s reach, value and contribution — with the goal of securing greater recognition and support in the future. Whether you’re running a registered charity, an informal community group, or a local club, your voice matters. The team is especially keen to hear from grassroots and unregistered organisations that may not usually be represented. Completing the survey only takes a few minutes, and participants can opt into a £500 prize draw for their group.

Help tell the real story of our sector — and complete and share the survey widely. Visit the survey here!

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From Morecambe with Love
Good Things Collective are commemorating their 10th anniversary by reprising their From Morecambe with Love project. Send a design submission for postcards that celebrate Morecambe, and the winning designs will be printed to be sold in the new GTC gift shop.

Winners will also receive an A3 print of their design, a pack of all the winning postcards, and a £20 gift shop voucher.

Find out more

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Calling all Woodworkers, Joiners & Model Makers
The Rainbow Centre is reaching out to skilled woodworkers, joiners, model makers, and furniture restorers who might be interested in leading hands-on sessions for their members. Starting this September in their new workshop, the centre hopes to offer engaging classes in wood carving, furniture restoration, and miniature model making—such as military or dolls house pieces. Sessions will run for one to two hours on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and anyone keen to share their expertise is encouraged to contact Paul on 01524 415502 for a friendly chat.

Read more about this on their post here

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Leighton Hall Local Residents Pass
Leighton Hall is supporting the local community by offering a 2025 Local Residents’ Pass. Anyone living in an LA1–LA11 postcode can apply for the pass, which gives 50% off admission every time they visit. It’s a simple way to enjoy this historic site for less.

Apply online at www.leightonhall.co.uk

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Scam Alert – Fake Summer Fayre Event
Galloways has been made aware of a fraudulent post circulating online, falsely advertising a “Summer Fayre” at Howick House on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September. This event is not organised by Galloways, and the contact details and payment instructions provided are not legitimate. Please do not share personal information or send any money. If you’re ever in doubt about an event’s authenticity, contact Galloways directly on 01772 744148.

See the Galloways post about this

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Studio Space Available at Good Things Collective
If you’re a local artist, activist, or social entrepreneur (or any combination of the above), a space in the GTC House of Cooperation might be just what you’re looking for! 

There is both a shared studio and private studio available. Check out this blog post with all the details you need to know including more info about the spaces, pricing and how to register interest. 

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Psychology Employability Programme 
Lancaster University’s Psychology Employability Programme is offering a unique opportunity for local and national organisations to engage with enthusiastic and skilled psychology undergraduates. Each year, 70–100 students volunteer in roles such as research assistants, mentors, and support facilitators, providing valuable assistance while gaining hands-on experience in their field. Organisations benefit from reliable support, fresh ideas, and strong links with the university, while students develop essential skills and build meaningful career experience. Current partners include Age UK, The National Autistic Society, and Shelter.  

To find out more or get involved, contact [email protected]  

See the programme leaflet here 
Learn more about this programme 

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Refugee Week 2025 – Celebrate Community as a Superpower in Lancashire 
Lancashire Refugee Integration Team is inviting community groups, charities, and local organisations to get involved in Refugee Week 2025 by applying for funding to host events that celebrate the strength, diversity, and compassion within Lancashire’s communities. This year’s theme is “Community as a Superpower”. A range of events are already planned, including:  

• Community Fest at UCLan (14th June) 
• Refugee Film Festival at The Dukes in Lancaster (17th June) 
• Music Festival at Burnley Library (21st June) 

For more details or to have your event featured in the official brochure, contact LRIT at [email protected]  

Date: 13th–22nd June 

See more info on the event specification sheet 

Email [email protected] for information about how you can be involved.  

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The Big Lunch – Sharing Friendship & Food
The Big Lunch is inviting everyone across the UK to get together in their communities to share friendship and food on 7-8 June this year.  An idea from the Eden Project, The Big Lunch started in 2009 and has become the UK’s annual celebration for neighbours and the biggest community-led fundraiser, helping to raise over £100m for good causes so far.  

A Big Lunch can be anything from a bite to eat with a few neighbours to parties for the whole street, and anything in between. It’s fun, it’s easy and it’s for everyone, so download your free party planning pack and make your community the place to be this June!

Get your free pack –  TheBigLunch.com

ASIST Suicide Prevention
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop—ASIST can be learned and used by anyone.

The course is free, fully funded by Lancashire County Council Public Health and is free. However, delegates must pay a £50 deposit (plus £2.65 covering ticketing and payment fees charged by our suppliers) at the time of booking. Your £50 deposit will be repaid on completion of both full days.

3 & 4 June, 9am – 5pm, Alexandra Barracks, Lancaster LA1 3NY

Find out more and book

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Public Speaking & Pitching Your Charity
This half-day session will give you confidence in standing up in front of people and putting across your message effectively. The session will be interactive, informal and fun, with the aim of taking away any fear you might feel about getting up there.

• how to deliver an impactful one-minute pitch you can use anytime
• how to structure an engaging presentation
• ways to grab and keep the audience’s attention
• how to use images and statistics to reinforce what you’re saying
• common pitfalls to avoid

13 June, 9:30am – 1pm, The Cornerstone LA1 1PX

£5.40

Find out more and book

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Introduction to Community Action
Jam-packed with workshops, inspirational talks, networking opportunities and lots of fun, the online Introduction to Community Action course is for anyone interested in making a difference in their community.

This short online course explores how to make positive change where you live, from the comfort of your own home. Applications are now open for their next two-day online course!

Time and Date: Monday 30^th June and Monday 7^th  July  6.30pm – 8.30pm

Read more about the course and apply for a place

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Children & Young People Mental Health Champions Training
There are still places available on the upcoming workshop for professionals that may be Supporting C&YP who are Experiencing Bereavement or Significant Loss.

If you would like to attend this free face to face workshop on Wednesday 11th June, all day 09:30 – 4pm or would like any further information than please email [email protected]

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Global Link Storytelling Training
Voluntary sector partners can access Storytelling training, taking place at Global Link’s new building at 29 Queen Street, Lancaster between 12 noon and 2pm on Fridays during the school summer holidays. Refugees will share their personal stories, where they have come from, why and how, followed by a free lunch cooked by one of Global Link’s professional refugee chefs.

To access this training, email [email protected]

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Budget Like a Boss! – Free Money Coaching Workshop
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) will be running a free money coaching course starting Monday 9th June 2025 at 6:45pm, hosted at Morecambe & Heysham Free Methodist Church. Organised in partnership with Lancaster and Morecambe Churches Together, the course offers practical, accessible guidance to help people build budgets, manage money with confidence, and take control of their finances. Participants will also gain access to CAP’s free online budget-building tool.

Starting date:
Monday 9th June 2025, 6:45pm

All dates:
Monday 16th June 2025, 6.45pm
Monday 23rd June 2025, 6:45pm

Location: Morecambe & Heysham Free Methodist Church, LA3 2LG

Reserve your place here

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Spotting the Signs of Gambling & Gaming Harm Training
Ygam work to help protect young people from the hidden risks of gambling and gaming. This Volunteers’ Week, they’re offering a free training session for all volunteers who work with children and young people aged 7–25. The session is designed to upskill them with the tools to spot signs of gambling and gaming harm and know how to respond in a safe and supportive way.

Online workshops are available between 2 June and 12 June.

Find out more and book.

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Getting Started with AI Language Tools for Charities
This free online session from the Cranfield Trust will cover how to use AI tools to:

• Write stronger funding bids and supporter communications
• Tackle internal comms tasks
• Generate ideas for PR, press releases/social posts and campaign messaging
• Save hours on content drafting without losing authenticity or tone of voice.

5 June, 12 noon – 1pm, online

Find out more and book

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How to Read a Lease
The Ethical Property Foundation are offering a free webinar to help charities and community groups understand leases and manage property risks.

This session will help you:

• Understand what a lease is, what it includes, and why it matters
• Read a lease clearly, with simple explanations of common terms
• Know what your charity must do – and what your landlord must do
• Spot issues in draft leases, and know how to raise concerns
• Learn practical ways to negotiate better lease terms

5 June, 12 noon – 1pm, online

Find out more and register

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Citizens Advice Benefits Training Workshops
Three upcoming workshops are being offered for advisers, support workers, community workers, health professionals, and others in caring professions:

Benefits, Debt and Housing Emergencies
Thursday 6th June, 10am–4pm
Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road East, Morecambe, LA4 5AF

This session will explore how to identify and respond to emergencies relating to benefits, debt, and housing. Specialist advisers will guide attendees through different approaches to crisis situations.

Book here

Personal Independence Payments and Attendance Allowance
Thursday 13th June, 10am–4pm
Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road East, Morecambe, LA4 5AF

This workshop will focus on the challenges and best practices involved in applying for PIP and Attendance Allowance, led by members of the expert Advice Team.

Book here

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Ernest Cook Trust Fully Funded Community Leaders Training – Connecting People and Nature
The Ernest Cook Trust and Forest of Bowland National Landscape are currently looking for Community Leaders within Lancaster and Preston and surrounding towns who’d like to develop their outdoors leadership skills. You could be a paid member of staff or a volunteer.

The multiday training course will help people to develop skills and confidence to lead/engage people in their communities and take their sessions outdoors, plan and organise simple and engaging outdoor activities (not bushcraft activities), increase understanding of opportunities for people to get outdoors and connect with nature. Once upskilled, these Community Leaders will be supported to arrange and run outdoor sessions for their own groups, within the local landscape.

Training will take place on 30 September, 1 October, and 2 October.

Download the briefing paper to find out more.

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DWP Disability Services Advocacy Team External Stakeholder Information Sessions
The DWP are offering several information sessions for external stakeholders during June. These include:

Disability Living Allowance Child – what Disability Living Allowance for Children is, the eligibility criteria and the whole customer journey from making a claim to receiving a decision.

Upksilling Sessions for SEN schools, colleges and organisations supporting students with Disability Services benefits and grants.

Personal Independence Payment – what PIP is, eligibility criteria, and the assessment process.

Access to Work – what AtW can support and eligibility criteria.

3-18 June 2025

To find out more and book, download further information here

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Public Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Training Courses 
Youth Mental Health First Aid – Full (2 day) and Half Day Aware courses 
This course provides a more in depth understanding of specific mental health issues. It focuses on the issues faced by young people today, such as cyber bullying and substance misuse, and teaches how to promote protective factors and good parenting. 

YMHFA Half Day Aware is an introductory course designed to increase awareness of young people’s mental health and some of the issues that can affect this age group. This is delivered on Zoom. 

Please see the YMHFA fact sheet for further details HERE 

Adult Mental Health First Aid – Full and Half Day Aware courses 
AMHFA Full Course (two day) – A practical skills and awareness course to cover topics such as gaining a deeper understanding of mental health and the factors that can affect people’s wellbeing, including your own and practical skills to spot the triggers and signs of mental health issues, amongst much more.  

The Adult MHFA Half day Online course is a 4 hour (one date only) online training session. An introductory course designed to increase mental health awareness and give an understanding of how to look after wellbeing and challenge stigma. Delivered on Zoom. 

Please see the AMHFA fact sheet for further details HERE 

SafeTALK – Free suicide alertness training 
SafeTALK helps participants become alert to suicide. Suicide-alert people are better prepared to connect persons with thoughts of suicide with life-affirming help. 

Please see the safeTALK fact sheet for further details HERE 

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Active Lancashire – MECC, HC, PAM Training 
Active Lancashire is offering a series of free and accredited training courses designed to support professionals and volunteers in making positive health and wellbeing conversations part of everyday life. Courses include Make Every Contact Count (MECC) familiarisation, specialist sessions for physical activity and mental health, as well as a Train the Trainer day for those looking to deliver MECC themselves. Additional sessions cover Patient Activation Measures (PAM) and a two-day Health Coaching course. All places are first come, first served, with plenty of dates available — and participants are encouraged to commit once booked.  

Full course details and booking links can be found on the Active Lancashire Learning Zone.  

For any queries, contact [email protected]  

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Coffee connections: digital peer support
A free initiative for anyone working in the charity sector who is interested in connecting with a peer to chat about any digital topic. They will match you up randomly with someone else who has signed up and you can discuss any digital issues, ideas, etc. together.

Find out more and sign up

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Help Shape the LDCVS Training Programme
CVS members – and anyone else who is interested – can help us shape our training programme by completing this short survey. The results will help us plan our future provision to best suit your needs. Completing the questions should only take a few minutes.

Take the survey here

Volunteer Driver for CancerCare
Volunteer Drivers providing transport for service users to and from CancerCare appointments. They are relied upon to create a good impression so above anything else, volunteers will need to have a good rapport with many different types of people, helping them feel looked after and at ease when they are on their way to and from appointments. Volunteers will need to drive safely and sensibly whilst following the Highway Code at all times.

Find out more

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New Friends Group to Support Torrisholme Cemetery
Lancaster City Council is looking to form a new Friends group to help care for Torrisholme Cemetery on Westgate. Volunteers will have the chance to get involved in light gardening, wildlife projects, litter picking, and even hosting small community events. Training, support, and tools will be provided, making it ideal for anyone looking to connect with others while contributing to a peaceful and historic local space.

If you would like to get involved visit their website

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Park Tennis Activators
In partnership with LTA – Tennis for Britain, Lancaster City Council is looking for volunteers to become Activators to facilitate free tennis sessions for all ages and abilities. The sessions will run from 10am – 11am at Palatine Recreation Ground on Saturdays and Sundays.

If you’re looking for a way to get involved in sport or gain experience in coaching, find out more about becoming an Activator by emailing [email protected]

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Volunteer Roles at CancerCare
Volunteer Events Assistant
Events Assistants, are responsible for performing ad hoc duties such as supporting events participants, registration, selling merchandise, giving out CancerCare information, promoting CancerCare, marshalling and event preparation. Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on the event.

This role is suited to people who want to share their skills and donate their time to benefit the community, but who might be unable to commit to long-term volunteering or volunteering during normal office hours.

Find out more

Volunteer Receptionist / Reception Assistant
Volunteer Receptionists, are the first port of call for any visitors/clients to CancerCare. They create a good impression,  have a good rapport with many different types of people, and help them to feel looked after and at ease. Many of our clients have been affected by cancer or a bereavement so it is important to greet them appropriately and consider they may be going through a difficult time.

Find out more

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Volunteer Roles at Read Easy Morecambe Bay
Referrals Networker
Many adults don’t know that free reading support exists. Referrals Networkers help  build relationships with local agencies, ensuring more people can access Read Easy’s life-changing tuition. This role is flexible and involves connecting job centres, social services, community groups and charities with Read Easy, so they can refer adults needing support.

Find out more

Publicity Organiser
Many adults struggle with reading but don’t know where to turn for help. Publicity Organisers play a key role in promoting Read Easy’s free, one-to-one reading tuition, helping shape messaging and spread the word through social media and local press, community outreach and creative campaigns.

Find out more

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Balsam Blitz Community Event – Volunteers Wanted 
During this event you’ll have an opportunity to help your environment by learning about Himalayan Balsam and the best techniques to fight back against this invasive weed. 

Equipment and refreshment will be provided on the day but please feel free to bring your own gardening gloves. Please check the weather ahead of arrival and dress appropriately and ensure that you follow the Countryside Code during your visit. 

Time and Date: Sunday 29^th  of June, 2pm – 4pm 

Location: Floodplain Meadow, Lancaster, LA2 9HU 

Find out more

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Volunteer Achievement Awards Sponsors

We are delighted to be able to tell you that this year’s Volunteer Achievement Awards has attracted some wonderful sponsors. Lancaster University is sponsoring this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award; Lancaster & Morecambe College is sponsoring one of our brand new for 2025 categories, the Environment Hero Award; and the Young Volunteer of the Year Award is being sponsored by HSE Advice UK.

 

HSE Advice UK is a fantastic local business, started in 2021 by local woman Ashley Walker, and was the winner of the Best New Business Award at the 2023 Best of the Bay Awards, also becoming finalists in the EVAs and the BIBAs. You can find out more about HSE Advice UK by clicking the link above.

 

Lancaster District CVS is so pleased to have the support of local businesses and institutions that recognise and understand the importance of volunteers, volunteering, and community. Thank you Lancaster University, Lancaster & Morecambe College, and HSE Advice UK!

• Fundraiser – helping to obtain grants, donations and sponsors
• Leaflet distribution – distributing publicity materials to the public across various areas
• Venue steward – helping visitors and being a point of contact between organisers and venues

Visit our volunteering website to find out more

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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.

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Heads Up from Health Protection
The Health Protection team at Lancashire County Council have released their May 2025 newsletter which includes important articles covering Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm screening (AAA), Giant Hogweed and the Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPV).

View this edition here

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Healthwatch Lancashire Women’s Health Report & Showcase
To launch the phase two findings of their investigation into women’s priorities and concerns when accessing health and social care services in Lancashire, Healthwatch are planning a showcase event in Preston.

Their team will be sharing key findings and recommendations with key decision makers in attendance. There will also be guest speakers sharing their personal experiences with Menopause, Gynaecological Health and Mental Health.

Read the full report, and the personal experiences report

26 June, 10am – 2pm, Preston Grasshoppers Rugby Football Club PR4 0AP

Find out more and register to attend

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Bay PCN Young Persons Social Prescribing Report
Stanleys Community Centre and More Music, community organisations based in Morecambe, each host a Bay Primary Care Network Young Persons Social Prescriber within their teams.

This new report examines the impact of their work over 2024/5.

Download the report here.

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Escape to Safety Exhibition
Step into the shoes of refugees and learn some of the realities beyond the headlines at this multi-media exhibition for Refugee Week about asylum seeking in Britain on Thursday the 19^th of June. There will also be panel speakers from local charities.

Escape to Safety is a powerful way to learn something of their backgrounds and journeys to understand where they are coming from and to counter some of the very negative discourses about refugees and asylum seekers.

As part of the exhibition, there will be a public talk about asylum seeking and refugees in the UK followed by Q & A at 7.00 pm.

Time and Date: Thursday, 19^th of June,  exhibition open 1.30pm – 8.30 pm
Location: Lancaster Town Hall Banqueting Suite, Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PJ

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Come As You Are Exhibition
Mainspring Arts has been running a Creative Wellbeing Group at Halton Mill since October 2024, offering fortnightly art workshops focused on creativity, community, and wellbeing. The group’s work will now be showcased in Come As You Are, a vibrant exhibition celebrating calm, focus, and freedom through textiles, lino prints, video and more.

The exhibition runs from 2nd May to 9th June. The event is free, neurodivergent-friendly, and wheelchair accessible, with refreshments provided.

Find out more here

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New letter makes the case for VCFSE sector as NHS local health and care functions are reviewed
Representatives from the 42 voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) Alliances operating across England are working together to make the case for the sector in local health and care. Ahead of formally launching later this year, the interim Alliance42 steering group, which Voluntary Sector North West Chief Executive sits on for the North West, has written to the new Chair of NHS England, Dr Penny Dash, and members of the national working group reviewing the functions of local Integrated Care Systems and Boards (ICBs). The review comes following the announcement last month of the abolition of NHS England and significant cuts to local ICBs.

The Alliance42 steering group consists of agreed representatives from each NHS region, nominated by 42 VCFSE Alliances in England – partnerships of VCFSE organisations with the aim of strengthening the sector’s voice, influence, and involvement by leveraging their strengths. They have written the letter ahead of Government publishing a new operating model for ICBs next month, asking that the convening power of VCFSE Alliances are fundamental to underpinning ICBs.

The letter calls for the revised ICB operating model to ensure the VCFSE sector is included as a full partner in shaping strategy, governance and in the delivery of that strategy, with ICBs continuing as a systems convenor. This means bringing together cross-sector partners and organisations.

Highlighted in the letter is the substantial contribution of local VCFSE groups and networks to healthy neighbourhoods, as well as the sector’s offer around supporting the work of the NHS, helping to tackle and prevent health inequality. It is vital that the sector is seen as a fundamental building block of medium- and long-term improvement to ensure people are best supported. Moreover, investment in the VCFSE sector presents a clear opportunity for strategic commissioning for the creation of social value.

Our sector’s passion, innovation and values-driven approaches need to be better embraced if we are going to create an effective, integrated, collective culture for improving health and care in all our communities.  Read the the full letter here.

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New CO Awareness Resources for People with Learning Difficulties
The Gas Safe Charity’s Think CO programme are raising awareness of carbon monoxide (CO) risks among people with learning difficulties, developed with support from East Kent Mencap. The team is keen to connect with organisations working in this space to offer further training and promotion. The campaign highlights a powerful awareness film, “I can’t smell it. So it must be safe”, created by Speakup Self Advocacy in Rotherham.

In addition, CO safety videos are now available in Hindi, Bangla, British Sign Language, and English — all subtitled — thanks to collaboration with Leicestershire Fire & Rescue and community partners. For more information or access to resources, contact [email protected] or visit gassafecharity.org.uk.

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Get Involved with the CHAT Programme at Luneside & Rosebank Bowling and Recreation Club
Luneside & Rosebank Bowling and Recreation Club is inviting local residents to take part in the Communities Healthy and Active Together (CHAT) programme—an innovative initiative combining crown green bowling with off-green social activities to support both physical and mental wellbeing. Starting Thursday 1st May 2025, sessions run every week from 10am to 12pm at Fairfield Close. Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, CHAT offers a fun, low-impact way to stay active, meet others, and improve overall health. Come along and see what it’s all about!

Read more on their info leaflet here

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

E2M Space on Church Street Available this Summer
E2M are finalising their summer programme of delivery. If you would like a base to host some summer provision for young people, their space will be available most mornings during the school summer holidays and during some evenings.

If you would like to know more, please contact Sharon Burns – [email protected].

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Lancaster & Morecambe College Positive Prospects
This UKSPF funded summer holiday programme for 14-18 year olds will be held on 29-31 July, 5-7 August, and 19-21 August. Activities include first aid, catering, stage make-up, construction, and talks from a range of external speakers such as DWP and the Kings Trust.

Register your interest here

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Online Parent Support Group – South Cumbria 
Come and meet a Family Support Worker and others in an informal and friendly session. Share your experiences and get guidance through issues.

Virtual Workshops: 9.30am-10.30am every Thursday 

• June 26^th – Understanding Self-Harm 
• July 31^st – Understanding Suicidal Thoughts 
• August 28^th – Understanding Depression 

For more information or to join the workshop contact [email protected] or call 01229 832269 

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Bee Unique – Supporting SEND Families with Heart
Bee Unique is a volunteer-run charity created by and for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Offering a wide range of inclusive activities, the charity welcomes all SEND families—no formal diagnosis required—as well as siblings and extended family members. All events are organised around the team’s own work and family commitments, with no expenses taken. To view or book activities, visit this link to book, or get in touch via [email protected].

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KoothKlass – Free Webinars for Young People & Parents
Moving up to Secondary or High School
A webinar and Kooth supporting booklet about transitioning to a new school in September. For those in year 6/ p7 book here.

Kooth’s Support for Young Carers
For young people aged 11+ who are young carers. Find out how Kooth can provide support, myth- busting and words from the Kooth Clinical team. Book now

Talk to Kooth about Loneliness and Healthy Relationships

A 30 minute webinar for young people aged 11+ on tackling loneliness and building healthy relationships. Book here

KoothTalks Families – Free webinars for Parents and Carers
Supporting your Child to Manage Change when Moving up to Secondary School

This is a 30-minute webinar for all parents and carers of children who are starting secondary school this year. Share with parents

Helping Young People Stay Safe on Smartphones and Online
Find out how parents can support online safety for their children and how Kooth keeps young people safe. Share with parents

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Time to Breathe with Lancashire Youth Challenge
Lancashire Youth Challenge has released a powerful short film showcasing Time to Breathe, their nature-based wellbeing programme that supports young people to pause, reflect and reconnect with the natural world. The film, created by Ash Murphy, captures how the project combines outdoor experiences, food growing, mindfulness and life skills to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. Delivered in partnership with The Gathering Fields, BEE Adventures, The Gregson Centre and Friends of Miss Whalley’s Field, the programme is made possible thanks to generous funding from the Westminster Foundation, Francis Scott Trust, The Ernest Cook Trust, D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust, The Areté Charitable Trust, The National Lottery Community Fund and FoodFutures: North Lancashire.

Watch the video below

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Arnside Sailing Club
Arnside Sailing Club offers sailing, kayaking and paddle boarding, including a youth sailing programme for children and teenagers. They offer sailing, sit on top kayaking and paddle boarding lessons. The ASC Club House is available for hire as a venue and regularly has music nights.

Find out more

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Placemaking with Young Adults
Young adults aged between 18-30 can help shape the future of the Lancaster District through a series of placemaking workshops. By providing their input into the urban planning process and Local Plan Review, participants will help design a future that reflects their needs and aspirations.

Events taking place this spring and summer include WALKshops around potential development sites, a future vision workshop, and a policy co-design opportunity.

Find out more about the workshop series and book a place

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Volunteer It Yourself
VIY challenge young people to learn trade and employability skills by helping to fix local community spaces and places in need of essential repairs and improvements.

They work with people who are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, at risk of disengagement, and/or unemployed.

Young people are mentored by professional tradespeople and can gain Entry Level City & Guilds accreditations, as well as access to further training, work-readiness and employment opportunities.

To find out more about their work, visit their website, or download a presentation given at a recent Children & Young People Multi-Agency Partnership Meeting.

Lancaster District Green Spaces Forum
Join a walk around Claver Hill’s New Moon Garden, designed for moths and moth caterpillars, as part of July’s Lancaster District Green Spaces Forum meeting,

Martin Wain from Butterfly Conservation will be talking about the Community Wings project and plans for a Lancaster District butterfly and moth initiative. Bring something to eat if you want – drinks are provided and everyone is welcome!

17 July, 6pm for the walk, 7pm for the meeting.

Claver Hill Community Farm, Ridge Lane, Lancaster, LA1 3JY

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Pollination for your plot with Lune Valley Beekeepers
Wondering how to attract pollinators to your allotment, garden, or community growing project? Look no further than the next free workshop in The Plot’s Growing Food & Community series: Pollination for your plot wiht Dr. Fred Ayres of Lune Valley Beekeepers.

Come along to this indoor session on Friday June 13 to learn more about pollinators’ critical role and what you can to create an attractive and welcoming environment for them. Free to attend, but pre-booking is essential.

Find out more and book

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Do you have back issues of Waterwitch?
Lancaster Canal Trust are trying to locate old copies of their magazine, Waterwitch. They would like to re-print or update articles from the Trust’s history for the interest of current and new members.

If you have copies of any magazines published prior to 2009, contact Peter Jones at [email protected]

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Morecambe Bay Curriculum Conference 2025
This annual conference will focus on developing effective Climate Action Plans that meaningfully support both communities and environments and your own curriculums.

There will be talks, workshops and conversations that spark ideas and set action in motion!

What’s in it for you:

• Expert guidance on climate action planning
• Invaluable networking opportunities
• Practical resources for implementation
• Collaborative workshops and discussions

Time and Date: 4^th of July, 12:00pm-5:00pm

Location: Lancaster University, Bowland Main Lecture Theatre, Bailrigg, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 4YW

Read all about the event and book a ticket

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Trustees Required – Could you be an Ambassador for Food Justice?
The Lancaster District Food Justice Partnership (LDFJP) is seeking passionate and skilled individuals to join its board of trustees. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of food justice locally by guiding the organisation through its charity application and supporting its long-term strategy. Trustees will act as ambassadors for the partnership, offering insight and leadership as LDFJP works to build a fairer, more sustainable food system. Those interested can find out more in the Call for Trustees document.

Apply to be a Trustee here.

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Gather Producers Take Part in Short Film
Gather recently worked with Lancaster Film Initiative to produce a short film that introduces some of the producers who supply Gather – North Lancs Food Hub. Grab a cuppa and enjoy this lovely gentle film featuring Bill from Morecambe Bay Conservation Grazing Co, Dennis from The Plot and Rod from Backsbottom Farm – not forgetting the wonderful volunteers at Eggcup.

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Midsummer Market coming up in June
Lancaster’s Seasonal Markets, hosted by FoodFutures and coordinated by the Closing Loops project, are vibrant quarterly events celebrating local food, craft, and community. Held in Lancaster Market Square around the solstices and equinoxes, each market features fresh produce, street food, live music, family-friendly activities, and a chance to connect with local makers and community groups. The events also mark the launch of each new issue of THRIVE, North Lancashire’s community food magazine.

The next market is the Midsummer Market on 13 June 2025—visitors and stallholders alike are warmly invited to take part.

Find out more info here

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Climate Conversations
Feeling overwhelmed by the climate crisis? You’re not alone—but there’s plenty we can do together, right here in North Lancashire. A free, interactive workshop on offers a chance to explore practical, local climate action in a friendly and supportive setting. Led by Dr. Jan Maskell, the session will focus on understanding carbon footprints and identifying meaningful steps we can all take to reduce them. The event is open to everyone aged teen and up, with two time slots available (9:30–12:30 or 2–5pm), and refreshments provided.

Saturday 14 June 2025
The Centre, St Thomas Church in Lancaster

Learn more about this workshop and book

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Food Champion Induction
Curious about FoodFutures or how to get more involved? Whether you’re new, already part of a project, or have an idea you’d like support with, join a Food Champion induction session to learn about the North Lancashire Food Sovereignty Movement. The next session is on 5 June, 5:30–7:30pm in Lancaster. Register now to connect, share skills, and get inspired.

More info and booking here

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Nature’s Blueprint One Small Thing Event
Nature’s Blueprint CIC are focused on reconnecting people with nature in order to find innovative & impactful approaches for a healthier, sustainable planet and society. They aim to create a network of people who have the resources, tools and support to inspire and activate meaningful change not just within their own lives but within their local communities, organisations & environment.

One Small Thing, their spring event, takes place at Leighton Hall on 9 May, featuring individual and group coaching activities, reconnection with nature, delicious food, and access to the Nature’s Blueprint network, all focused on helping you to discover one small thing you can do to respond to the crises we face today.

Tickets £150 (self funded or charitable organisation), £75 low income (self-declared). Three fully funded tickets are also available.

Find out more

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Join the Plot’s veg box scheme: June-October 2025
Are you passionate about eating organic, local, and seasonal food?  

Do you want a direct relationship with those who grow your food, and share the season’s risks with them?  

The Plot is looking for 40 people to join its crop-share scheme this growing season. Read the Plot’s latest column explaining the Community Supported Agriculture model and its benefits (including the opportunity to add extras from Gather each week).  

Joining the veg box scheme will help build a network of local growers around the Lancaster District.  

Read more and join  

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The Bay – April Foraging and Outdoor Cooking Sessions
The Bay is running a programme of foraging and outdoor cooking sessions based from Greenfingers Allotments in Heysham. These started Wednesday 16th April and are running each week 11am-1pm for 5-weeks.

Some weeks you will cook a meal together for lunch, other weeks you will focus on different aspects of foraging, food growing and the stories that connect us with nature.

The Bay can offer support including refunding travel expenses up to £8 a session, and a phone call introduction or 1-1 site visit before you start to answer any questions.

To sign up please fill out The Bay’s online referral form and add ‘foraging course’ under ‘What do you hope to gain by attending nature and wellbeing sessions?’

Please feel free to get in touch with Alex at [email protected] with any questions.

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Call for Local Green Spaces
Your help is needed to identify areas of Local Green Space across the district.
Access to a network of high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and physical activity is important for health and the wellbeing of communities. The designation of land as Local Green Space through local plans allows communities to identify and protect green areas of particular importance to them. Planning policies for managing development within Local Green Spaces are consistent with Green Belts and therefore the level of protection afforded through designation is high. Local Green Spaces can only be designated when a Plan is being prepared or updated.  

The call for Local Green Spaces will run to Monday 28 July 2025.    

Further information can be found on the Council website:  Local Plan Review Hub 

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Conservation Area Appraisal for Yealand Conyers and Redmayne
Lancaster City Council are conducting a Conservation Area Appraisal (CAA) for Yealand Conyers and Redmayne.

CAAs are key documents that highlight the unique qualities (significance) of a conservation area, identify potential threats to its character and appearance, assess the area’s boundary, and serve as a foundation for its ongoing management.

If you have an interest in Yealand Conyers and Redmayne, they invite you to share your views.

Have your say

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The Plot’s Crop-Share: June-October
The Plot is looking for 40 people to join its crop-share scheme this growing season.

Are you passionate about eating organic, local, and seasonal food?

Do you want a direct relationship with those who grow your food, and share the season’s risks with them?

Join this year’s crop-share and help build a network of local growers around the Lancaster District. Produce is grown outside at Old Holly Farm near Garstang and in two polytunnels at White Lund in Morecambe, all within eight miles of Lancaster Town Hall.

Read more and join

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Wild Into Words – Nature Writing with Mark Cocker
Nature lovers and aspiring writers have a unique opportunity to connect with the wild and refine their craft with multi-award-winning nature writer, Mark Cocker. Taking place at Leighton Moss in July, these special events include:

Wild Into Words: A Guided Walk with Mark Cocker – Friday, 4th July
Wild Into Words: A Nature Writing Masterclass – Saturday, 5th July

Participants can explore the landscape with Mark Cocker and gain insights into his approach to nature writing. These events are expected to sell out quickly, so early booking is recommended.

Book now:
Guided Walk
Writing Masterclass

Please note, tickets must be booked separately for each event.

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‘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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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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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

Vintage in the Village
Come along to Heysham Village and enjoy this vintage themed day which includes:

• Live Bands
• Vintage Dress Competition
• Classic Cars and Motorcycles
• Vintage Pram Parade
• Food and Drink
• Local Artisan Craft Stalls

22^nd June 2025, 11am-5pm

Heysham Village Green, LA3 2RW

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Accessible Open Mic Dates
Everyone is welcome at the Gregson’s community led Open Mic events. These fabtastic events are designed specifically for people with additional needs and are always a hoot.

Hosted by the fabulous Josie, you can expect Karaoke, Dancing, Open Mic and more!

• Dress up as your favourite artist Friday 6^th of June, 6pm-8pm
• Beach Party Theme Friday 15^th of August, 6pm-8pm
• Halloween Theme Friday 10^th of October, 6pm-8pm
• Christmas Special Friday 12^th of December, 6pm-8pm

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Music at the Meeting House
Come along to a summer evening of music – classical, soul, blues and folk – to help raise money for essential electrical work at Lancaster Quaker Meeting House, featuring musical talent from local Quakers and friends.

Interval refreshments will be available. No tickets are required but donations are appreciated!

Time and Date: Wednesday 4^th June, 7.30pm

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

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Dino Fest Returns to Lancaster This July
Dino Fest is roaring back into Lancaster city centre on 12–13 July, and preparations are already underway. Following last year’s fantastic turnout and creative participation from local businesses, organisers are encouraging shops, cafés and other venues to get involved again with dino-themed displays, costumes, offers and activities.

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Traditional Chinese Perspectives on Mental Health – including Tai Chi and Qigong
Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice meets regularly in Lancaster.  The next CCrAMHP meeting will take place in June and they will be joined by Feixia Yu – member of UCLAN’s Social Prescribing Unit, former Director of the Confucius Institute and founder of YuTaichi & Qigong Ltd.  Qigong, which was  developed in China thousands of years ago, focuses on improving health and well-being through movement and breathing exercises.

Wednesday 11 June from 7-9pm, at the Friends Meeting House in Lancaster.

See here for further details

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The Marsh Community Choir Summer Concert
The Marsh Community Choir are inviting you to join them for their Summer Concert. The event will be held on the steps of the entrance to the Ashton Memorial in Williamson’s Park. Bring your chair or a rug to sit on.

16 June 2025, 2pm at Ashton Memorial, Williamson’s Park

Get in touch with the Marsh Community Centre for more

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Silverdale and Arnside Arts Festival
The Silverdale and Arnside Arts Festival invites the public to explore a vibrant trail of creativity as local artists and makers open their homes, studios, and shared community venues to showcase and sell their work. Visitors can use an interactive online map to discover who’s exhibiting where, with venues ranging from individual workshops to collective spaces like village halls. The festival offers a unique opportunity to meet artists, explore a range of creative practices, and support local talent in a welcoming, community-focused setting.

See the organisers event post

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More Music Events
Music Sessions For Young People
More Music are welcoming new members to their Young People groups 

• Mondays – Unique Beatz for Learning Disabled and Disabled aged 14-25 and Eco Collective for young producers aged 14-25 
• Tuesdays – Baybeat Streetband. A vibrant streetband for ages 8+ 
• Wednesday – Vocal Night/Sing It Out. Singing, beatbox and rap for ages 11-18 and Bay Youth Voices, a singing group aged 6-11 
• Friday – Stages. A band and songwriting night for ages 11-18 

Three Degrees Festival
Just three degrees of temperature rise would result in environmental disaster, but our three degrees of influence can make a difference.

This year, the Eco Collective of young creative producers have been working with the More Music team to devise and programme the Three Degrees Festival, learning about climate change, how it relates to the music industry and the local environment. There will be a huge variety of things to see and do such as live music, crafting, food and storytelling and photography exhibitions.  

Time and Date: Saturday 5^th July 2025, 12pm – 5pm 

Location: In and around More Music, 3-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe LA3 1QT 

Read all about what will be included at this free event 

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Rave On for the Avon
Rave On for the Avon is a must-watch documentary that highlights the power of community and environmental activism. 

This inspiring film dives into the efforts of Bristolians to save their favourite swimming spot, blending stunning visuals with an uplifting soundtrack and showcasing the power of grassroots action. 

Time and Date: Sunday 1^st  June 2025, 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm 

Location: Halton Mill, Mill Lane, Halton, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA2 6ND

Book tickets here 

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Willow Weaving Workshop at the Gregson
Amy Gunawan is hosting a full-day willow weaving workshop at the Gregson Community and Arts Centre in Lancaster, offering beginners a chance to learn traditional basketry skills. Participants will create a Catalan-style garden trug using natural materials, with all tools provided. The session is a great opportunity to take time out, try something creative, and connect with others in a relaxed setting. The cost is £85 and places can be booked directly via Amy at [email protected].

Find out more about this event and book

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Social Inclusion Summer Festival 2025 
Attractions at this year’s festival include live music, food and drink, karaoke, free face painting, games, and movement and dance.

There will be free parking and under cover areas 

Time and Date: Thursday 17^th of July, 1pm-6pm 

Location: Trimpell Social Club, Out Moss Lane, Morecambe, LA4 4UP 

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FAR Group Trip to Play in the Park
Friends and Relationships Out and About (FAR Group) are organising a group outing to see this year’s Play in the Park at The Dukes – a magical performance of The Wizard of Oz.  Tickets are £24 full price, with carers’ tickets and other concessions available. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy outdoor theatre and connect with others this summer. Anyone interested, please contact the group.

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Lancaster District Male Voice Choir  
LDMVC 2025 have provided a list of their upcoming singing events, including: 

• Sat 12th July; Ballroom, Royal Station Hotel, Carnforth at 3pm  
• Sat 27th Sept; Garstang Library at 2.30pm  
• Sat 11th Oct; AUTUMN CONCERT with Lacuna Singers at St Thomas’s Church, Penny Street, Lancaster at 2.30pm  
• Sat 29th Nov; Xmas event, Lancaster Library at 11am  
• Sat 9th Dec; Xmas event, Arndale Centre, Morecambe at 11am  
• Sat 13th Dec; XMAS CONCERT, Lancaster Methodist Church, Scotforth Rd, Lancaster at 2pm  
• Sat 20th Dec; Xmas Event, St Nics Arcade, Lancaster at 11am  

 The choir will also be giving singing events to the residents of Eric Morecambe House, Torrisholme, Dolphinlee Home, Ridge Estate and Nazareth House, Lancaster. Further small events could take place in other locations such as Lancaster Library.   

For more information please contact Chas Matthews on 07846 409825 or Paul Rasmussen on 07811 865556  

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Wise Up Workshops Events & Activities
The Jungle Book
Little Theatre Company by the Sea presents The Jungle Book with School Musicals Co and Wise Up Youth Theatre.

28 June (6.30pm) and 29 June (3pm)

Book tickets by calling The Platform on 01524 582803

Gaming Together
For all up to age 16 (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult), these sessions bring gamers together to build confidence, friendship and connection.

Monthly on the first Saturday, 5pm – 7:30pm at Middleton Village Hall LA3 3LG.

£2, including hotdogs, drinks and snacks.

Lifewise
Young people aged 14 – 25 can learn new skills from cooking to map-reading, from event planning to mental health support.

Every second Wednesday, 6pm – 8pm.

Call 07506 295782 for further information

Kentown Family Support Worker
The Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity are looking to appoint a Kentown Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of the pilot Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme.

Reporting to the Kentown Project Lead out of our Lancaster team base and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Salary: £23,000 annual salary plus car
Contract: Full time, Permanent
Location: South Cumbria, Lancaster and Morecambe
Closing Date: June 25^th

Find out more about this role and apply

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Crisis Recovery Worker – Waythrough
This role is ideal for those who are caring, flexible and creative, thrive under pressure, know how to connect with people at all levels and really enjoy helping others to live as independently as possible.

You will support individuals who present in a range of ways, including low mood, depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts to develop their own coping strategies to deal with crisis situations. You will also participate in a group work programme to assist people using our services to deal with substance abuse, mental or physical illness, poverty, unemployment, or physical abuse.

Salary: £25,320 per year
Contract: Permanent, 37.5 hours per week
Location: Morecambe, Lancashire
Closing Date: June 13^th, 2025

Find out more about this role and apply

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Sessional Assessing Social Worker – TACT
TACT is the UK’s largest specialist charity provider of fostering, and they are looking to recruit a sessional assessing social worker to undertake Form F assessments.

Some key duties will include, visiting personal referees as identified on application form for prospective foster carers, providing to the supervisor, regular written updates of the draft assessment and carrying out the duties in line with their Foster Carer and Supervising Social Worker Standards and Practice Guidance.

Salary: £2,000 per Form F Assessment plus 45p mileage
Contract: Full-time or part-time (Variable), Permanent or contract (Freelance Independent)
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire (Hybrid), Manchester, Greater Manchester
Closing Date: Monday 2^nd  June 2025 at 11:30pm
Interview Date: Wednesday 11^th  June, 2025

Find out more about this role and apply

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Independent Domestic Violence Advisor-Victim Support
For this role some of your responsibilities will be:

• Working with the Police safeguarding team to identify high risk victims of domestic abuse.
• Checking internal systems to check if victims are known or open to internal services and liaise with same.
• Conducting joint visits with the police to victims who are at serious risk of harm to provide independent information about their rights and options to enable them to keep safe from harm.

Salary: £26830.20 – £28611 per annum
Contract:  Fixed Term, Full Time, 37.5 hrs
Location: Lancaster (Hybrid)
Closing Date: 11^th June 2025

Find out more about the role and apply

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Countryside Worker Apprenticeships – West Cumbria Rivers Trust
West Cumbria Rivers Trust is offering four exciting Level 2 Countryside Worker apprenticeships as part of its National Lottery-funded ‘A Wilder Walkmill’ project. These 18-month roles, starting in September 2025, will focus on hands-on conservation work at Walkmill Community Woodland and sites across Cumbria. Apprentices will gain valuable practical experience, study towards a recognised qualification, and work alongside organisations such as the National Trust and Cumbria Wildlife Trust. Based in Keswick and West Cumbria, the roles are 35 hours per week, with one day allocated for college work.

Salary: £7.55/hour for the first 12 months, followed by the national minimum wage for the remaining 6 months
Contract: 18-month apprenticeship scheme (September 2025 – February 2027)
Location: Keswick and West Cumbria
Closing date: 9am, Monday 23 June 2025

Applications close at 9am on Monday 23 June.

Find out more about this role and apply

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Volunteer and Training Manager
South Lakes Citizens Advice is recruiting a Volunteer and Training Manager to lead volunteer recruitment, training, and development, supporting the delivery of high-quality advice services across multiple channels. Ideal candidates will have experience in the advice sector, volunteer coordination, and meeting quality standards.

Salary: £21,200 – £23,000 per year (depending on experience)
Contract: Part-time (30 hours per week), Permanent
Location: Kendal, Westmorland and Furness (on-site)
Closing Date: 1 June 2025 at 23:30

Find out more about this role and apply

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Centre Manager at The Cornerstone
The Lancaster Methodist Church seeks to appoint a part-time Centre Manager. The successful applicant will play a leading role at The Cornerstone, a vibrant community hub on Sulyard Street. They will be required to organise the day to day running of the centre, oversee volunteers and staff, liaise with the Cornerstone Chaplain and centre users, and to help develop this community hub.

Salary: £15,500 per annum
Contract: 17.5 hours per week
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 9 June 2025
Interviews: week of 23 June 2025

For further information and an application form, email Simon Stewart at [email protected]

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Youth Group Leader – Cancer Care
Cancer Care are seeking a passionate and experienced Youth Group Leader to join their team. This role supports children and young people affected by cancer, bereavement, and sudden or traumatic loss. You will help deliver a peer-led support model built on five years of action research, fostering emotional resilience, social skills, and confidence among the young people they serve.

Salary: £10, 924 (actual)
Contract: 16 hours per week covering three days / evenings per week. Occasional weekends required. Daytime shifts in school holidays.
Location: Lancaster and Morecambe

Closing Date: Sunday 1^st of June
Read full job description and apply

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Training Manager – British Society for Immunology
The British Society for Immunology is seeking a motivated and experienced Training Manager to lead the delivery and development of their training function. Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, the successful candidate will manage existing training programmes and design new learning opportunities across clinical, scientific, and public engagement sectors. This strategic role requires strong project management and commercial acumen, with the aim of growing the BSI’s training offer and generating new income streams. The position is ideal for someone passionate about advancing education in immunology and delivering high-quality, accessible training through a variety of platforms.

Salary: £50,000 – £54,000 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Remote
Closing date: 9 June 2025 at 17:00

For more information and to apply, visit the British Society for Immunology job listing.

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Recovery Worker – Waythrough
Waythrough is seeking a compassionate and motivated Recovery Worker to join their Chapel View service in Kendal, supporting adults with mental health challenges. This role focuses on helping individuals maintain their independence and develop life skills through personalised support plans. You’ll work in a supportive team environment delivering housing and outreach services to people aged 18+. No prior experience is required, as full training is provided – what matters most is your empathy, resilience, and desire to make a real difference in people’s lives.

Salary: £24,570 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Kendal, Cumbria (on-site)
Closing date: 11 June 2025 at 2.53pm

Waythrough welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those with lived experience. This is a rolling recruitment process, so early application is encouraged.

Visit the job listing here to apply

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Administrator with Victim Support
Victim Support is seeking a part-time Administrator to join their Blackpool-based team supporting the Drive project, which tackles domestic abuse by focusing on high-risk perpetrators. The successful candidate will coordinate the Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Panel and provide vital administrative support. Ideal applicants will have strong administrative experience, excellent communication and IT skills, and a sensitive, organised approach. The role offers flexible, hybrid working and forms part of a maternity cover contract within a supportive, inclusive organisation.

Salary: Negotiable
Contract: Part-time maternity cover (20 hours/week)
Location: Blackpool (with hybrid working available after probation)
Closing date: 4 June 2025, 11:59pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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Nurturing Grassroots Associate with Civil Society Consulting CIC
Civil Society Consulting CIC (CSC) is looking for an experienced and self-motivated individual to join their Nurturing Grassroots consultant team on a freelance and part-time basis. The role will provide capacity-building support to community organisations led by and for marginalised communities across England, often in some of the poorest neighbourhoods.

Further information is available in the job description.

Apply by emailing a cover letter, CV, and preferred day rate to [email protected] by 30 May.

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Trusts & Foundations Fundraiser with Bendrigg Trust
Bendrigg Trust is seeking a dynamic and values-driven CEO to lead the organisation into its next chapter. The successful candidate will be passionate about inclusion and disability rights, bringing strong leadership, strategic vision, and empathy to the role. They will oversee operational delivery, financial sustainability, and stakeholder relationships, helping Bendrigg continue to break down barriers to adventure for disabled people.

Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per year
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Location: Old Hutton, Kendal, Cumbria (on-site)
Closing date: Monday 3rd June 2025, 9am

Find out more about this role and apply

If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]