LDCVS Bulletin: 16 January 2026

Community Learning Network: Next Steps
Thank you to everyone who joined the recent Community Learning Network event, your insight and energy made the session rich, collaborative and forward-thinking. We’ve now shared the meeting notes, capturing the ideas and momentum from the day, as well as reflections for those who couldn’t attend.

We’re now looking ahead to the next stage of the CLN journey and warmly invite partners to join us at our next session. We’re also seeking a host venue, so please get in touch if you can support.

Thursday 22 January 2026
9:30–11:30am
Venue: to be confirmed

For more information, please email Yak Patel at [email protected]

Northstone Community Fund Opens for Lancaster 
Northstone has launched a new £2,000 Community Fund to support local projects in Lancaster and surrounding areas, linked to its Breacla development. The fund is designed to back grassroots ideas that strengthen community wellbeing, bring people together and improve shared spaces, with nominations welcomed from charities, voluntary groups and community-led initiatives. This is a simple, accessible opportunity for local causes that could benefit from a small but meaningful boost. 

Deadline: 13 February 2026 
Location: Lancaster and surrounding areas 

View the fund poster here 
Visit the Northstone Community Fund Website  

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Bay ICC & PCN Local Investment Fund Opens for 2026 
The Bay Integrated Care Community and Bay Primary Care Network have opened a new round of their Local Investment Fund, offering small grants to support community-led work that improves health inclusion and reduces inequalities across Morecambe. With a strong focus on preventing and relieving poverty and hardship, the fund invites local organisations to bring forward practical, creative ideas rooted in lived experience and partnership working. This is a supportive, community-informed fund shaped by local voices and delivered with trust in the sector’s expertise. 

Deadline: 2 February 2026, 11pm 
Funding available: up to £1,000 per organisation 
Location: Bay PCN & ICC footprint, Morecambe 

Learn more about this local fund 

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Ørsted Skills Funds Open for 2026 Applications 
Ørsted has opened applications for its 2026 Skills Funds, offering significant support for projects that improve access to education, training and employability in coastal communities. With £275,000 available across three ring-fenced funds, the programme backs practical, confidence-building initiatives that help people develop skills and progress towards employment, building on a strong track record of long-term local impact. 

Deadline: 27 March 2026 
Locations: Coastal areas of Lancashire and Cumbria, East Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, Norfolk and Suffolk 
Find out more about this fund and apply 

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Funding Opportunity for Autistic Holiday Activities 
A new funding round is opening to support autistic-specific holiday activity schemes for children and young people across the UK, including provision for siblings. The programme offers grants of up to £15,000 to not-for-profit organisations to help cover the costs of delivering high-quality holiday activities using trained staff and volunteers. Demand is known to be very high, with last year’s round closing within a day, so early engagement is strongly encouraged. Full details are available via Three Guineas Trust. 

Dates: Expressions of interest open 2 February 2026 and close 13 February 2026 at 5pm 

Learn more about this fund 

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Stafford Trust Opens Autumn 2026 Funding Round 
The Stafford Trust is now welcoming applications for its Autumn 2026 funding round, offering flexible grants to support a wide range of charitable work across the UK. Funding can contribute towards project costs, core running costs or staff time, with particular encouragement for organisations working in Scotland. This is a supportive opportunity for charities looking to strengthen impact and sustain their work into the year ahead. 

Deadline: 30 June 2026 
Funding round: Autumn 2026 

Find out more and apply 

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ACE Mental Health Project Grants Now Open 
Applications are now open for the ACE Mental Health Project Grants, offering up to £25,000 to support trauma-informed mental health work with children, young people and families affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences. The funding is aimed at specialist charities delivering evidence-based support that helps prevent long-term harm and break intergenerational cycles of trauma, with flexibility to strengthen existing services or develop targeted projects where need is greatest. 

Application deadline: 6 February 2026, 5pm 

Learn more about this funding opportunity 

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Small Charity Week Match Funding Opens for 2026 
Big Give, working alongside Global’s Make Some Noise and NCVO, has opened applications for Small Charity Week 2026, a national match-funding campaign championing the impact of small charities. The campaign offers an opportunity for eligible charities to double public donations through 1:1 match funding, helping to raise unrestricted income while building confidence, profile and long-term resilience. 

Application deadline: Wednesday 11 February 2026, 5pm 
Campaign dates: 22–29 June 2026 

Learn more and Submit your application 

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Young Futures Fund: Healthy Teen Minds 
The Asda Foundation has opened its Young Futures Fund, offering small grants to help community groups support the mental health and wellbeing of teenagers aged 13–18. Through the Healthy Teen Minds programme, grassroots organisations across the UK can apply for funding to deliver activities that boost confidence, resilience and positive life opportunities for young people. Demand is expected to be high, so groups are encouraged to apply early. 

Grant size: £500-£1,000 
Applications open: 6 January 2026 (10am) 
Applications close: 20 January 2026 (10am) or earlier if oversubscribed 

Find out more about this fund 

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Final Call for Ogden Trust Physics Education Grants 
The Ogden Trust has opened its final round of Physics Education Grants, marking the last opportunity to apply before this funding stream closes in September 2026. Grants of up to £5,000 are available to support high-quality physics education projects in England, with a strong focus on curriculum support and inclusive enrichment for under-represented young people. This final round reflects the Trust’s transition towards fully funding free professional development for physics teachers, while still backing impactful projects through to completion in Summer 2027. 

Deadline: 2 March 2026, 9am 
Learn more about this fund 

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Hospital Saturday Fund Opens 2026 Grant Programme 
The Hospital Saturday Fund has opened its 2026 funding programme, offering support to UK-registered charities and organisations working in health, medical care and hospice provision. The fund provides accessible grants to help strengthen medical projects and improve community health outcomes, with opportunities to apply throughout the year and a clear focus on practical impact. 

Standard grants deadlines: 13 April 2026, 14 July 2026, 8 October 2026, 5 January 2027 
Large grants deadlines: 16 March 2026, 16 June 2026, 10 September 2026, 2 December 2026 

Explore this fund further 

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James Tudor Foundation Opens Physical Health Grants 
The James Tudor Foundation has opened its Physical Health grants programme, offering funding of up to £25,000 to UK charities delivering high-quality physical health support. The programme backs organisations providing evidence-based therapies, specialist health information and direct healthcare services, particularly where work reaches marginalised communities or addresses unmet need. Funding is flexible and can support core delivery or specific projects, with a strong emphasis on professional expertise and clear impact. 

Deadline: 6 February 2026 

Find out more about this fund and apply 

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Another Way Women’s Foundation Opens New Grant Round 
The Another Way Women’s Foundation is now accepting applications for its latest funding round, offering flexible grants to support charities and not-for-profit organisations improving the lives of women and girls. The Foundation champions grassroots and early-stage work that drives gender equality, strengthens wellbeing and creates lasting social change, with funding available for both new ideas and essential service delivery across England and Scotland. 

Deadline: 31 January 2026 

Click here for further details 

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Leeds Building Society Foundation Opens Housing Support Grants 
The Leeds Building Society Foundation is inviting applications from UK-registered charities delivering projects that help people access and sustain a safe and secure home. The funding supports work tackling financial stress, housing insecurity and the quality of accommodation, with a strong emphasis on relationship-based, trauma-informed and strength-led approaches. Both smaller charities and those ready to scale established work are encouraged to apply, depending on location and organisational size. 

Applications open: 5 January 2026 
Deadline: 2 March 2026 

Find out more and apply 

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Creative Careers Service Grant Programme Opens 
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has opened applications for a major new grant to design and deliver a refreshed, UK-wide Creative Careers Service for young people. With £7 million available over three years, this programme aims to strengthen access to creative careers information, improve diversity in the talent pipeline and connect young people with real-world opportunities across the creative industries. Applications are open to public, private and non-profit organisations with the capacity to lead large-scale, collaborative delivery. 

Deadline: 16 February 2026, 9:00am 
Programme period: 2026–2029 

Find out more and apply 

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Lancashire Changing Lives Fund Now Open
The Lancashire Changing Lives Fund is now live and inviting applications from charities and voluntary organisations to support projects that improve the health and wellbeing of children young people and families across Lancashire. Delivered through the Lancashire Health Visiting and School Nursing Service the fund offers grants of up to £3,000 with applications reviewed on a rolling monthly basis and decisions made within one month. Local Community Engagement Leads are available to support organisations to develop strong proposals that respond to community need.

Funding available: up to £3,000
Location: Lancashire
Applications: rolling monthly review

Learn more about this fund

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Emergency Funding Available to Prevent Homelessness
St Martin-in-the-Fields Charity is offering fast emergency VRF grants to help people who are experiencing homelessness or at risk of losing their home. Grants of up to £500 can be used to remove immediate barriers such as rent in advance deposits ID or removal costs with decisions and payments usually made within five working days. Small and medium-sized charities and grassroots organisations are encouraged to register and frontline workers can also join online information sessions to find out how to apply and access support.

Webinars: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 2–3.15pm and Tuesday 10 February 2026, 2–3.15pm
Location: Online, UK-wide

Find out more about this fund

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Michael Tippett Musical Foundation Opens 2026 Grants Programme
The Michael Tippett Musical Foundation is inviting applications for its 2026 grants programme with a continued focus on nurturing group music-making and creative composition with young people at its heart. Alongside this the Foundation will now take a more strategic approach to supporting performances and recordings of works by Michael Tippett with large-scale projects considered by invitation rather than open application. The Trustees will review grant applications in Autumn 2026 with successful projects starting from January 2027.

Application deadline: 30 September 2026
Project start date: from January 2027

Find out more about the Foundation and apply

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Another Way Women’s Foundation Funding Window Now Open
Another Way Women’s Foundation has opened its January 2026 funding window inviting applications from organisations supporting the advancement of women and girls across the UK. Grants are available for both emerging and established projects with a focus on community-led sustainable approaches that address the root causes of gender inequality. The Foundation will continue with two funding rounds each year offering both general and themed opportunities to support meaningful long-term change for women and girls.

Application window: 1–31 January 2026

Explore this funding option here

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Grow Wild Community Programme Opens for 2026
The Grow Wild Community Programme is now welcoming applications from not-for-profit groups across the UK to deliver nature-based projects in urban spaces during 2026. The programme will support community-led initiatives that use planting and growing of native plants or fungi to boost biodiversity while helping people reconnect with nature particularly those facing barriers or disadvantage. Successful projects will engage local people at scale and promote sustainable practices with funding available to cover full project costs.

Application deadline: 4 February 2026
Funding period: by end of October 2026

Click here for more information

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National Archives Engagement Grants Open with ‘Belonging’ Theme
The National Archives has opened its Annual Engagement Grants inviting archivists and heritage organisations to develop creative outreach projects that connect communities with archival collections across England and Wales. With a 2026 theme of belonging the fund supports inclusive and accessible engagement that helps people explore identity place and shared history through archives. Grants are available to support activity that reaches new and existing audiences in meaningful ways.

Application deadline: 19 January 2026
Find out more and apply

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Funding Opens to Support Employment and Skills Pathways
The CABWI Lifelong Learning and Development Fund has opened to support UK charities working with young people and adults facing barriers to employment or skills development. The fund focuses on helping those who are NEET or at risk of becoming NEET alongside people with complex needs to build life skills and progress towards work particularly within the water utilities and construction sectors. Funding can support core or project costs with a two-stage application process now underway.

Expressions of Interest: 5–26 January 2026

Find out more and apply

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Morecambe Town Council Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Grant Fund Now Open
Morecambe Town Council’s Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Grant Fund for the Financial Year 2026/27 is now open. If you have any access needs and would benefit from receiving information in a different format or using an alternative submission method, please contact [email protected] or by phone on 01524 956026 and they’ll be happy to discuss suitable alternatives.  

Finally, please note the separate Community Grants Fund will not be open for applications until later in the New Year. If you are at all unsure about which fund is most suitable for your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.  

Applications close 12pm on Monday 9th February.  

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Resilience Grants Open to Strengthen Archive Sector
The National Archives has launched its latest round of Resilience Grants, offering up to £20,000 to help archive services across the UK build long-term sustainability and adapt to changing community needs. The programme supports organisations to develop practical solutions that enhance resilience and strengthen their contribution to local cultural and economic life. Applications are now open and the team encourages early preparation using the guidance and resources provided. 

Deadline: 21 January 2026 

Read more here 

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QHT Opens 2026 Funding Rounds for Affordable Housing Projects
The Quaker Housing Trust has opened applications for its 2026 funding programmes, offering interest-free loans up to £30,000 and targeted grants up to £20,000 to help small charities create or enhance genuinely affordable homes. Alongside the main grants and loans, early-stage Best Practice Grants of up to £6000 are available to support feasibility work and environmentally minded design. Organisations planning new housing for people in need including those with No Recourse to Public Funds and older people are encouraged to apply. Key deadlines include 29 January for Expressions of Interest and 26 March for Best Practice Grants. 

Dates: 

29 January 2026 deadline for Expressions of Interest 

13–20 February 2026 feedback period 

26 March 2026 deadline for second-stage and Best Practice applications 

location: Friends House London NW1 2BJ 

Explore this fund and apply 

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New Funding Opens in January to Boost ACE-Focused Mental Health Support
A new UK funding programme will open on 5 January 2026 offering grants up to £25000 for charities supporting children, young people and parents affected by Adverse Childhood Experiences. Designed to strengthen trauma-informed mental health projects across the VCSE sector this opportunity is open to healthcare charities with an income below £20 million and at least five years of accounts. Funding can support core delivery or specific evidence-based interventions that help families recover from trauma and break cycles of harm. VCSE organisations meeting the eligibility criteria are encouraged to prepare early ahead of the February deadline. 

Date: applications opened 5 January 2026 and close 6 February 2026 at 17:00 

Find out more and apply 

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New Grants Available for UK Animal Welfare Charities
A fresh funding opportunity is now open for UK animal charities working to rescue rehabilitate rehome or protect animals. Grants ranging from £1000 to £10000 are available to support welfare and conservation work beginning in Autumn 2026 with eligible costs covering rescue activity wildlife protection feral cat programmes and improvements to animal care facilities. Registered charities across the UK with at least 12 months’ status can apply and VCSE groups are encouraged to prepare early to meet the next funding deadline. 

Deadline: 1 April 2026 for Summer 2026 assessment 

Learn more about this fund 

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Funding Opens Soon for STEM Projects Supporting Disadvantaged Young People
The Ironmongers’ Foundation will reopen applications in January 2026 for grants of up to £10000 to boost STEM engagement for young people aged 11 to 18 from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a strong focus on Materials Science. The fund supports UK charities delivering additional activities that build science confidence and create meaningful, repeated learning experiences particularly in urban areas outside London and in regions with strong manufacturing heritage. Charities planning small impactful projects are encouraged to apply. 

Deadline: 1 April 2026 

Find out more about this funding opportunity 

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New Funding to Boost Education and Development for Young People
Applications are now open for grants of up to £5000 to help schools community groups and not-for-profit organisations in England deliver projects that strengthen the education and development of children and young people aged 6 to 22. With most grants under £2000 this fund is ideal for small impactful initiatives that build confidence teamwork and employability through creative learning sporting activity academic enrichment and community engagement. Projects planned for early spring 2026 are eligible. 

Applications open now for spring 2026 projects.

Find out more and apply

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Funding to Give Children a Holiday to Remember
A grants programme has opened to help children experiencing disadvantage enjoy the magic of a UK holiday or day trip in 2026. Designed for those aged 13 and under facing financial hardship, systemic barriers or disability, the fund enables youth groups, schools and small charities to offer meaningful breaks such as seaside visits, camping or outdoor adventures. Grants of £500 to £3,000 are available for trips between January and April 2026, helping to create lasting memories and moments of joy for children who need them most. 

Date & time: Applications close 10 March 2026 

Learn more about this fund

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New Fund Launches to Power Youth Organising Across the UK
The Alliance for Youth Organising has announced the launch of its new Anchor Grants Fund, opening this December to boost youth-led change across the UK. The fund will provide unrestricted two-year grants of up to £40,000 per year to organisations helping young people develop leadership, build collective power and drive social impact. With a focus on youth-led and underrepresented groups, the fund aims to strengthen the infrastructure of youth organising nationwide. 

Date & time: Applications close 26 January 2026 

Find out more about this fund 

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Date & time: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 6.30pm
Location: The Clubhouse, Charles Street, Morecambe, LA4 5SX

Find out more

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NAVCA Report Calls for Community-Led Neighbourhood Health
NAVCA has published a new report on Integrated Neighbourhood Working drawing on lived experience from local infrastructure organisations and ICS-VCSE Alliances across England. The report highlights that neighbourhood health works best when it is rooted in community voice trusted local relationships and lived experience rather than system-led structures alone. It sets out clear recommendations for moving beyond short-term funding and complex commissioning towards sustained investment in local infrastructure so prevention inclusion and trust can truly thrive at neighbourhood level. A blog has been written about the report in which you can read here.

You can also amplify the report and join the conversation on LinkedIn here.

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The Future of Local Democracy – Devolution and the Need to Empower Town and Parish Councils 
Dr Amy Burnett (LPIP Place Fellow), Dr Jason Leman (Citizen Network) and Dr Daniel Ozarow (Middlesex University) examine how town and parish councils could play a central role in making devolution work for communities.   

This discussion paper was developed following the National Association of Local Councils’ Power Shift Conference and responds to the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill.   

They reflect on the implications of a neighbourhood governance pathway on the configuration of democracy under the emerging devolution landscape on town and parish councils.  

The Future of Local Democracy – Devolution and the Need to Empower Town and Parish Councils – LPIP  

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Lancaster Car Club Relaunches with Hiyacar
Lancaster City Council has partnered with Hiyacar to relaunch the city’s Car Club offering residents affordable and sustainable access to council fleet vehicles outside normal working hours. The new service replaces Co-Wheels and supports flexible travel for evenings weekends and everyday journeys while promoting greener transport choices across the district. Residents can sign up directly with Hiyacar and early members will benefit from sign-up credits to get started. Whether it’s catching up with family, managing everyday trips or staying connected over the festive period, the car club makes it simple to access a vehicle only when it’s needed. 

Location: Lancaster City Council area 

Learn more about this service 

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State of the Sector Report Released
The new Lancashire & Cumbria State of the Sector report has been published, highlighting the scale and strength of our VCFSE community with over 9,400 regulated organisations and an estimated 7,731 grassroots groups powering local communities. Key findings across the regions include funding pressures, volunteer sustainability, premises challenges, and the need for strengthened collaboration. The report also offers 12 recommendations to support sector resilience and future planning. Thank you to everyone from the Lancaster District who contributed. Your insight ensures our local sector is truly represented.

Read the full report and explore the data here

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Child Poverty in Lancaster & Morecambe: Evidence to Act On
Citizens Advice North Lancashire have published a hard-hitting report showing child poverty averages one in five across the district and rises far higher in several wards. Drawing on frontline data and lived experience, it spotlights barriers to work, shortfalls in benefits, rising debt and unsafe housing. The report showcases targeted support through Early Years and Schools Projects and calls on decision-makers to deliver bold policy change so families can move from crisis to stability.

Read the report here

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Lancaster Local Takes on the Arctic for Citizens Advice
Lancaster’s own Phil McGrath is taking on an extraordinary challenge — the Arctic Half Marathon in Spitsbergen on 6 June 2026 — to raise vital funds for Citizens Advice North Lancashire. Running across ice and snow in sub-zero conditions, Phil’s mission is deeply personal. While undergoing his own cancer journey, he’s determined to support others facing the same battles, raising awareness of the practical and emotional challenges that come with a diagnosis.

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential, and independent advice on everything from benefits and debt to employment and housing — a lifeline for many people coping with illness. Phil’s fundraising goal is £1,000, helping ensure this crucial service can continue supporting those who need it most.

Support Phil’s journey
Event: Arctic Half Marathon, Spitsbergen – 6 June 2026

Independent Monitors for prisons and immigration
The Independent Monitoring Boards (IMB) are recruiting volunteers across the UK. IMB members are ordinary people who monitor the treatment and conditions of people in custody and ensure standards of fairness and decency.

IMB volunteers have unique access to prisons and immigration detention centres, speaking to those in custody and staff, observing daily life, and reporting on what they find.

Previous experience is not required as full training and mentoring is given. Time commitment is for 2-3 visits a month.

Find out more and register

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Trustee Opportunities (up to 3 roles) – Lagan’s Foundation 
Lagan’s Foundation is seeking up to three new Trustees to join its Board at a pivotal stage of growth. This voluntary role offers the chance to help shape the charity’s strategic direction, support strong governance and champion high-quality support for families caring for children with complex health needs, while working within a collaborative and values-led Board. 

Info: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses covered) Trustee position, ongoing 
Location: Horwich (Board meetings based locally, some flexibility expected) 
Closing date: Not specified (applications encouraged as soon as possible 

For further information, contact: [email protected]  

Explore this opportunity 

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Escape 2 Make Seeks Adult Volunteers for February Half-Term 
Escape 2 Make is inviting adults to volunteer this February half-term and be part of a fun, creative programme supporting young people to explore new skills and express themselves. Volunteers will have the chance to learn alongside young people through activities ranging from arts and performance to baking and digital creativity, while helping build confidence, connection and community. Full training and support are provided, with safeguarding checks in place. 

How to get involved: Email [email protected]  

When? February half-term 
Location: Lancaster 

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Volunteer Reading Coaches with Read Easy
Read Easy provides free, confidential, one-to-one reading coaching for adults who want to improve their reading. In Lancaster and Low Furness, they’re looking for volunteer Reading Coaches so more local adults can get the support they’ve often missed out on and gain the skills and confidence that make everyday life easier.

 

As a Reading Coach, you’ll be matched with one adult Reader and meet twice a week for 30 minutes, in an agreed safe venue. You’ll use Read Easy’s phonics-based Turning Pages manuals and resources, following a clear step-by-step approach. Training is provided by Read Easy UK in four online sessions, and you’ll be supported by a local Coordinator and the wider team.

 

Find out more and register

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.

• Safeguarding adults (level 2)
• Safeguarding children (level 2)
• GDPR compliance
• Cyber security

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Writing a compelling funding application (advanced)
This workshop is designed for people who already have some experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from a practical session to finesse their content for larger funding applications or to develop a project Case for Support document.

During the morning there will be an opportunity to explore the types of questions you will need to respond to for larger funding applications and how best to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for. There will also be some focus on costings and getting your budget right.

You’ll be asked to bring examples of previous application questions you have completed, whether successful or unsuccessful and to share these with other attendees for the purpose of a peer-to-peer critique exercise.

This session will be particularly useful for anyone considering making funding applications for over £10,000 or more.  

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer. 

Saturday 24 January, 10am – 4pm, Morecambe (venue TBD) 

£15 

Find out more and book 

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Autism Awareness
Penrith-based charity Triple A (‘All About Autism’) aims to facilitate positive and sustainable change for autistic people – to raise awareness of the issues & challenges that autistic people face, and to bring people together to create and develop solutions.

This half-day CPD-accredited training session will be delivered by autistic co-facilitators sharing their lived experiences, and aims to cover the following outcomes:

• To equip you with a practical working knowledge of autism or consolidate understanding of what autism is
• To consider communication, sensory and environmental issues linked to practice and workspaces and the impact that this has on Autistic individuals
• To introduce strategies for interacting with autistic individuals and their families
• To understand the impact of autistic overload and burnout and the impact of anxiety on presentation for an autistic person
• To know what adaptations and reasonable adjustments to make for others
• To bring real life scenarios to discuss practical solutions for your practice

21 January, 1pm – 4pm, West End Morecambe (venue TBC).

£5 members, £15 non-members.

Find out more and book

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Really harness the power of social media
If you’re a charity or community group, you know you need to get noticed. You want to attract volunteers, raise donations, invite supporters into your world and show the impact of your work.  

And social media can help you do all of this but only if you’re using it with clarity and intention, rather than just posting and hoping for the best. 

If you suspect you’re not quite fully harnessing the power of social media, join us for a day of focused, practical training.  

Led by Jo Doughty from Always Being Social – a social media trainer with over 25 years’ experience in marketing, including working with charities such as Cancer Research UK – this day will help you to use social media with confidence and purpose. 

Morning session: A clear, confidence-building introduction to Facebook and Instagram. You’ll learn how they work, what to post, and which features can help grow your visibility and audience. 

Afternoon session: A hands-on, creative workshop showing you how to craft Instagram Stories and Reels that bring your organisation’s work to life, inspire action, and build support. 

5 February 2026, 9:30am – 4:30pm, More Music (Morecambe LA3 1QT) 

£30 for one session, £50 for the whole day 

Find out more and book 

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The Importance of a Will and of Power of Attorney
Having a will allows you to protect those close to you and ensures your wishes are followed after your death, preventing any disagreements about who takes what. If you die without a will, “intestacy” will arise – this means the law decides what happens to your assets, and this can cause problems for your family and add to the costs of probate.

A Lasting Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives authority to another person to act on your behalf. It prevents a stranger, or someone you don’t trust, from having this power. Without an LPA, if you become ill and/or cannot make your own decisions, your loved ones (including your spouse or partner) must apply to a court for these powers – adding significant cost and time.

The session will be led by Nicola Combe of Morecambe Bay Wills. Advice will be impartial and based on Nicola’s personal experience (which is why she founded the company) and on that of her clients.

25 February, 6:30pm – 8pm, The Cornerstone (Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX), free of charge.

Find out more and book

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Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) training helps create safer, fairer, and more effective communities and workplaces, as awareness of the issues involved makes people more considerate, respectful, and better equipped to work with those who are different from themselves.

This interactive session introduces the foundations of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. Participants will explore key concepts, understand how bias influences behaviour and learn practical ways to create inclusive experiences.

The session will be delivered by Roda Ogunpehin, a consultant, trainer and author with 23 years of professional experience. Her approach focuses on practical, plain English guidance that helps organisations build confidence and embed inclusion in everyday interactions.

The cost of the session is £10 to LDCVS members and £25 to non-members.

3 March, 9:30am – 12:30pm, The Cornerstone (Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 1PX)

Find out more and book

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Understanding Sickness and Disablement Benefits Training
A specialist training session focused on supporting people affected by cancer to navigate sickness and disablement benefits has now sold out, reflecting strong demand across the local support workforce. The session strengthens knowledge around eligibility, entitlements and the link between treatment, work and financial wellbeing, helping professionals offer more confident, holistic support to individuals and families during challenging times. 

Date & time: Wednesday 25 February 2026, 10am–4pm
Location: Trinity United Reformed Church, Bowerham Road, Lancaster 

Further info and booking 

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Nurturing Grassroots – Free Support for Local Organisations! 
Nurturing Grassroots is a fully funded capacity-building programme designed to support grassroots organisations to become more resilient, develop and work towards future aims and goals.   

The programme is funded for 3 years and offers tailored one-to-one support from mentors with years of not-for-profit sector experience, expert-led workshops on a range of popular topics like marketing, fundraising and demonstrating your impact, and leadership & well-being coaching. Through this range of workshops, networking opportunities and 121 support the programme aims to help organisations with common support needs like goal setting and planning, strengthening your organisation, fundraising, impact measurement, and sustainability.  

If you’re ready to get started and register for Nurturing Grassroots, they kindly ask that you complete two important steps to help them deliver the best possible support:  

1. Baseline Survey: Please take a few moments to complete their baseline survey. Your responses will provide valuable insights that will help them tailor their support to meet your organisation’s needs.  

1. Values Statement: They would also like you to review and agree to the values statement. This is an important part of aligning their shared commitment to the values that guide their work.  

If you have any questions or if anyone needs support completing the survey or values statement, please don’t hesitate to contact them at [email protected]. 

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Free Marketing Training for Charities Now Open
Media Trust is offering fully funded online marketing courses to help charities strengthen their communications and reach new supporters, thanks to support from The Marketing Trust. Organisations can choose between a Marketing Essentials programme exploring how offline and digital channels work together, or an intensive Digital Marketing course designed to build practical skills and confidence. Both options are delivered by industry experts and provide hands-on learning tailored to the needs of charitable organisations. Spaces are limited and early booking is encouraged. 

Dates: multiple online workshop dates February and March 2026 | location: online via Media Trust 

Learn more and reserve your place 

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DWP Disability Services – Free Upskilling Sessions for the Sector
The Disability Services Advocacy Team is inviting charities and community organisations to a new programme of free online upskilling sessions throughout January and February 2026, covering key benefits and support schemes including PIP, DLA for Children, IIDB and Access to Work. These sessions offer a practical walk-through of eligibility, the claims journey and change of circumstances guidance, alongside specialist sessions for SEND settings and appointees. Each event includes time for Q&A and aims to strengthen frontline confidence when supporting disabled people and their families. Registration is required via Eventbrite using the provided links below. 

Dates: January and February 2026 | location: online via Eventbrite 

Info and booking for January
Info and booking for February 

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ACT Awareness Training for Places of Worship Now Open for Registration
Counter Terrorism Policing North West is offering free online ACT Awareness training designed to support places of worship in strengthening safety and preparedness. Each session provides a practical introduction to the current threat landscape alongside guidance on identifying suspicious activity, responding to threats, managing suspicious items, understanding first aid essentials and accessing further security resources. Three upcoming dates are now available to book via Eventbrite. 

Dates: 12 February 2026 10.00–11.30am | 5 March 2026 10.00–11.30am | location: online sessions 

Read a factsheet on Terrorism (protection of premises) Act 2025 

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New Training Programme to Boost Benefits Knowledge Across the Community
North Lancashire Citizens Advice has released its January to May 2026 training programme, offering a range of practical sessions designed to help frontline workers strengthen their support for residents navigating the benefits system. The schedule includes: 

* Universal Credit Basics on 16 January
* Basic Benefits Navigation on 30 January
* PIP and Attendance Allowance on 13 February
* Benefits for Families on 13 March

…and further repeat sessions through spring.  

Each course focuses on building confidence, improving outcomes for claimants, and equipping community professionals with clear guidance they can apply straight away. 

Find out more and reserve your place here 

Dates: January to May 2026 | location: online training via TryBooking links 

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PHX Training Opens New Skills Pathways for Local Learners
PHX Training Morecambe has announced a fresh round of training pathways designed to help residents build confidence, gain qualifications and move closer to employment. Opportunities include a December Money Management course with a chance to win a tablet. Customer Service Pathway running 9 to 23 December, and a wide programme from January including Teaching Assistant, Mental Health Level 2, Introduction to Childcare and further employability routes. Additional pathways across childcare, hospitality, CSCS and customer service will follow in February and March, offering practical stepping stones into work for people across the district. 

Dates: December 2025 to March 2026 | location: PHX Training Morecambe 

If you would like further information please contact [email protected] or call 01524 748095. 

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Building Confident Peer Support: Online Training for VCSE Staff
Brigstowe’s Peer Partnership is offering a series of practical online workshops for staff and volunteers who support people in peer and lived experience networks, covering workplace boundaries, group facilitation, responding to challenging behaviour, resilience in VCSE settings and co-creating services with communities. There is also a free Peer Coordinator Forum for anyone coordinating or developing peer support, offering space to share practice and swap ideas with others across the UK. 

Dates & times: 

• Boundaries in the Workplace – Tue 24 February 2026, 9:30–13:30 

• Group Dynamics and Facilitation – Thu 26 February 2026, 9:30–13:30 

• Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour – Tue 3 March 2026, 9:30–13:30 

• Strengthening Resilience in the VCSE Workplace – Thu 5 March 2026, 9:30–13:30 

• Co-Creation of Support Services – Tue 10 March 2026, 9:30–15:30 

Location: online via Zoom 

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New World of Work QED Training 
QED Training will start the New Year (not long now) with a two-hour snappy session about the New World of Work to expect in 2026!  

In a two-hour session delivered on your Teams or Zoom platform they will:-  

• Focus on the new proactive duty to protect employees from sexual harassment, with particular reference to the EHRC’s technical guidance and 2026 updates.  

• Provide a summary of what is proposed under the Employment Rights Bill, likely 2026 timelines and how to prepare.  

• Look at future changes, including crystal balls for 2027 and 2028!  

• Cover interesting case law developments.  

Read more and get in touch via the QED Training Services site 

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The Marketplace and I: Accessibility Training
Dr Leighanne Higgins and Dr Killian O’Leary are lecturers are Lancaster University Management School. They research accessibility barriers facing persons living with disability in commercial and marketplace sectors.

In 2019, they began 2019 a disabled-led project entitled The Marketplace and I, which invited persons with disabilities from across the UK to create artworks representing their commercial experiences with accessibility. This resulted in 36 artworks exploring sensory, mobility and neurodivergent access experiences.

Since 2019 they have had several public exhibitions across the UK and in particular since 2022 have begun using some of the artworks to offer innovative art-based accessibility training to companies across the UK.

They are currently working with 30 companies including RSPB, National Trust, Blackpool Transport, Age Scotland, Marketing Lancashire and Lancaster City Council.

Find out more

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Community CVS Business & Management Bootcamps
Leadership and Management Skills Bootcamp  
A tailored 10 week programme to help develop key management skills including:  

• Understanding Mission, Vision, and Values  
• Identify Your Leadership Style  
• Improve Your Communication Skills  
• Become an Effective Team Manager  
• Understand Coaching, Mentoring and Advice  
• Tools and Methods of Project Management  
• Understand Artificial Intelligence

Creative Leadership & Management Skills Bootcamp 
Tailored 10 session programme for arts, culture and digital. Develop your hands-on creative leadership skills including:  

• Lead with Confidence, Clarity & Purpose
• Motivation, Mindset & Strategy
• Communication, Storytelling & Pitching
• Building & Leading Creative Teams  
• Communities of Practice & CPD  
• Tools and Methods of Project Management  
• Artificial Intelligence – Ethics & Opportunity  

Business Skills Bootcamp for Start-ups & SMEs 
Start & grow your business. Tailored 10 session programme for Lancashire business start-ups.

Develop your hands-on business skills including:  

• How to take your business from an Idea to Reality
• Market Research, Securing Contracts & Commissions
• Create a High Impact Social Media Marketing Strategy
• Building a Realistic Business Plan with SMART Goals 
• Understand Financial Planning & Legal Structures
• How to Win & Retain Customers with USPs 
• Getting Ahead with Artificial Intelligence  

For an informal chat about any of the bootcamps, and to get started, please contact the Community CVS Business & Skills Team by calling 01254 503043 or email them at [email protected]  

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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Adult Social Care co-production workshop for people with lived experience
Lancashire County Council are working with SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence) on a pilot to strengthen co-production and equity in their commissioning approach. The insights gathered will help to develop a Co-Production Toolkit and an approach that will begin rolling out in Lancaster, before extending across the county.

The next part of the series is Exploring Co-production in Lancaster with People with Lived Experience.

Co-production brings people with lived experience and professionals together as equal partners to design and deliver services. It ensures decisions reflect real needs, builds trust, and creates better outcomes for communities. Your voice is essential in shaping how we work together in Lancaster.

You’ll explore what’s working well across Lancaster, barriers and challenges for co-production, and opportunities to integrate co-production into commissioning.

Two workshops will be held in January. An online workshop will take place on 21 January, 6:30pm – 8pm via Teams (sign up here), with an in-person workshop being held on 22 January, 10:30am – 12:30pm in Lancaster (sign up here).

A £25 Love-to-Shop voucher will be provided for everyone who attends.

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Heads Up from Health: January 2026 Update 
The Health Protection team at Lancashire County Council has released its January 2026 bulletin, encouraging communities to start the year by prioritising health and prevention. The update highlights national screening programmes, practical winter wellbeing advice and a new online cancer screening checker, supporting early action that can reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes across Lancashire. 

Read their latest update edition here 

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Coffee and Connect: A Warm Welcome at Firbank Family Centre 
Looking for a friendly spot to drop in, have a free hot drink and a biscuit, and get some practical advice? The Lancashire Family Hubs Network invites everyone to the Firbank Family Centre in Lancaster (LA1 3HL) starting 11th February, and then every second Wednesday of the month from 9:30–11:30am. It’s a great chance to connect, get advice on everything from housing to well-being, and let the little ones play with some toys while you chat. 

Date & time: Starting 11th February, 9.30 -11.30am 
Location: Firbank Family Centre in Lancaster (LA1 3HL)  

Find out more 

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Peer Support for Bereaved Parents and Families Webinar 
The Compassionate Friends is hosting a one-hour information webinar for professionals and volunteers supporting bereaved families. The session will introduce the charity’s peer support offer for parents, adult siblings and grandparents, explain referral routes and provide space for questions, helping strengthen compassionate responses across services. 

Date & time: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 12.00–1.00pm 
Location: Online (Zoom) 

Register here 

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Check It, Don’t Chance It: New Cancer Awareness Campaign Launches 
Lancashire and South Cumbria Cancer Alliance has launched Check it, Don’t Chance It, a region-wide cancer awareness campaign encouraging people to listen to their bodies, spot possible symptoms early and contact their GP without delay. Shaped by local research and real voices, the campaign aims to support earlier diagnosis and better outcomes, particularly within communities facing the greatest health inequalities. 

Join the campaign here 

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Carnforth ICC Steering Group Update 
Carnforth Integrated Care Community has shared the minutes and action log from its most recent Integrated Steering Group meeting. The update captures key discussions and agreed actions, helping partners stay aligned and continue working together to strengthen integrated care across the Carnforth area. 

Download the minutes here 

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Healthwatch Lancashire Launches New Youth Social Media Project
Healthwatch Lancashire has launched a new project exploring how young people use social media for health advice peer support and self-understanding. The team is keen to visit local groups and sessions to hear views in a relaxed and voluntary way with all conversations kept anonymous and non-identifying. Young people and parents or carers are also invited to share their experiences through an online survey with one-to-one chats available for anyone who prefers a more informal conversation.

View the campaign poster here
Complete the Survey here

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Swop Shop Skill Share – Making Connections: Community Ideas to Reduce Isolation
Do you feel isolated? Is isolation something you see regularly in your community? Do you support people who struggle to connect, attend activities, or feel part of what’s happening locally?

We’re excited to invite you to our very first Community Swop Shop Skill Share, taking place in the West End of Morecambe. Building on our established Swop Shop Skill Share model, this event brings together not only voluntary sector organisations but also local residents, community groups, and anyone interested in sharing ideas, experience, and practical knowledge.

27 January, 5:30pm – 7:30pm, West End Impact (Heysham Road, Morecambe LA3 1DG).

Find out more and book your place

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Lancashire Campaign Calls on Salons to Help #NailDomesticAbuse 
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner has launched a new countywide campaign encouraging beauty businesses to play a role in spotting and supporting those experiencing domestic abuse. #NailDomesticAbuse provides free online training created with Safenet to help salon staff recognise warning signs and confidently signpost clients to specialist support.

Campaign materials are being shared across Lancashire, aiming to create safe spaces where difficult conversations can happen and where people know how to access help when they need it. 

Explore this campaign and register for training 

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Brew Monday: Turning Blue Monday into Connection 
Blue Monday may have a gloomy reputation, but Samaritans are once again turning it on its head with Brew Monday, encouraging everyone to connect over a cuppa instead. Taking place on Monday 19 January 2026, the campaign reminds us that feeling low isn’t confined to one day and that simple acts of listening and connection can make a real difference. Last year, over 28 local groups joined in across the district, hosting events that brought people together and highlighted support available. This year, Samaritans are inviting community groups and organisations to take part again, whether by hosting an event or sharing resources to spark conversation and connection. 

Date: 19 January 2026 

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NHS – Good Health Starts…Campaign  
Winter brings extra pressures for all of us – at home, at work, online, and with loved ones. Cold weather, seasonal illnesses, and the demands of daily life can take a toll on our physical and mental wellbeing.  

But small, simple actions as shown in the Good health starts… campaign can make a big difference.  

Whether you’re looking for symptom advice, mental health support, or guidance on when to seek emergency care, you’ll find everything you need right here.  

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Brew and You  
Feeling overwhelmed, isolated or just in need of a chat with people who get it? Why not join this weekly virtual peer support group?   

Whether you’re navigating your own mental health, supporting a child, partner or loved one, this group is for all and you can connect with others who truly understand.  

 Time and Date: Every Wednesday, 10.30am-11.30am  

Please call 01524 581280 for more information  

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Veterans Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST)
Age UK Lancashire are opening spaces for their next Veterans CST cohort, starting in January 2026. CST is the only intervention recommended by NICE as effective in the management of mild to moderate dementia outside of medication and is an evidence-based programme with which we’ve had great success with at Age UK Lancashire. 

Download the leaflet to find out more or use the referral form

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Talk to Us Men’s Health Matters in Lancashire 
Healthwatch Lancashire is inviting men across the county to share their voices and experiences around health and wellbeing. Following the success of their recent Women’s Health project, the team is now turning the spotlight on men’s health exploring priorities, challenges and experiences when accessing local health services. This is a valuable opportunity for men to speak openly about what matters most to them, from mental health to physical wellbeing, and help shape future support in Lancashire. All responses are anonymous and confidential, with data handled securely under the Data Protection Act 2018. 

Have your say, complete the Talk to Us Men’s Health Survey here 

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MS Society Lancaster & Morecambe Winter Newsletter Out Now 
The Lancaster, Morecambe & District Branch of the MS Society has released its Winter Edition newsletter, packed with seasonal updates, wellbeing advice and local stories. Highlights include winter tips for managing MS, reflections from volunteers, upcoming social events for 2026, and details of a new partnership with CancerCare offering free therapy sessions. The issue also celebrates local fundraising successes and community connections across the district. 

Read the MS Society Newsletter here 

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Help is Close Materials
Sarah Baines left all the Help is Close comms materials with us when she left. It would be fab if we could get this out and keep spreading the word of the campaign across the district.

We have:

• Bags for life
• Postcards
• Beermats
• Posters

If anyone has a venue that they manage and would be happy to put some materials up please do get in touch and we’ll arrange to get them to you.

Or if you are out and about and visiting people having some postcards in your bag to give to groups/individuals is always a good thing. Alternatively, if you see a venue that may be able to host materials please let us know.

Get in touch with Jenny Reddell [email protected] if you can help!

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Growing Well Kendal Welcomes New Referrals 
Growing Well Kendal, based at Low Sizergh Farm near Kendal, is inviting new referrals to its free mental health recovery service. Set on a six-acre organic vegetable farm, the service supports adults experiencing depression, anxiety or other mental health challenges through structured horticultural activity, meaningful connection and practical recovery support. Beneficiaries attend one day a week for up to a year, with free transport available from across South Cumbria, Furness and North Lancashire – transport to the Lancaster District specifically includes a minibus on Wednedays from Morecambe, Lancaster, Carnforth and Milnthorpe. Referrals can be made directly via the Growing Well website or by contacting the team at [email protected] or give them a call on 07903 013648. 

Location: Low Sizergh Farm, Kendal, LA8 8AE 

Read their updates here 
Find out more on their information leaflet 
Click here for self-referral leaflet 

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Coffee & Connect at Morecambe Library 
Coffee & Connect offers a warm, welcoming space for people to meet others, enjoy a cuppa, and access practical support on housing, finance, employment, parenting, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. With free hot drinks, snacks, and toys for little ones, it’s a relaxed drop-in for the whole community. 

The Coffee & Connect takes place once a month and is always the first Thursday of the month.  

Upcoming  dates are: 

• 5th February 
• 5th March  
• 2nd April 

Date & time: Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30am–11.30am 
Location: Morecambe Library, Central Drive, LA4 5DL 

Find out more here 

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From Past to Purpose Women’s Trauma Healing Project Crowdfunder
This six-week trauma recovery programme offers free places for women in Lancashire who are rebuilding their lives after abuse and can’t afford the cost of trauma support.

The programme provides a safe, structured space for women to begin healing, rebuild confidence, and move forward with purpose. Referral routes will be available from VCFSE organisations and the police.

To find out more about how to support this programme, visit the crowdfunding page.

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The Sketchbook Library
The Sketchbook Library project is a collaboration between Beaumont College Enterprise Students in Lancaster, and Dr Leighanne Higgins and Dr Killian O’Leary from Lancaster University Management School.

It invites disabled persons and communities to complete sketchbooks of art that explore their everyday experiences. The sketchbooks will then be displayed in a travelling library (a converted horse box) that will travel to festivals, education, and community events to help share and raise awareness of experiences of disability to the wider public.

Find out more by watching this video.

If you would like to take part in the project, or want to find out more, please contact: Leighanne Higgins – [email protected]; Killian O’Leary – [email protected] 

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Coffee & Connect at Morecambe Library 
Coffee & Connect offers a warm, welcoming space for people to meet others, enjoy a cuppa, and access practical support on housing, finance, employment, parenting, emotional wellbeing, and relationships. With free hot drinks, snacks, and toys for little ones, it’s a relaxed drop-in for the whole community. 

The Coffee & Connect takes place once a month and is always the first Thursday of the month.  

Upcoming  dates are: 

• 5th February 
• 5th March  
• 2nd April 

Date & time: Every first Thursday of the month, 9.30am–11.30am 
Location: Morecambe Library, Central Drive, LA4 5DL 

Find out more here 

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Keep 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 ICCs are below. 

Lancaster ICC –Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Bay ICC –  Amy Dawson (ICC admin) –   [email protected]

Carnforth ICC – Sue Frame (ICC admin) – [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]

Safeguarding in a Digital Age: Strengthening Responses to Online Harm 
A free multi-agency event is bringing partners together to build shared understanding and stronger responses to emerging online safeguarding risks, including harmful COM groups. Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner in Lancashire and delivered in partnership with local and regional bodies, the session will focus on early identification, effective multi-agency working and practical strategies to protect children and young people in an increasingly digital world. 

Date & time: Friday 13 February 2026, 9.30am–3pm 
Location: Barton Manor Hotel, Barton, Lancashire 

Click here for further info and booking 

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CYPMAF Meeting Dates for 2026 
Please note the following CYPMAF meeting dates for 2026 for your diaries. All meetings will run from 9.30–11.30, with venues to be confirmed. 

• Wednesday 25 February 

• Thursday 14 May 

• Wednesday 24 June 

• Thursday 17 September 

• Wednesday 9 December 

Further details, including venues, will be shared in due course. For further info, contact [email protected]  

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MH Champions Network Winter Update: Compassion in Practice 
The Lancaster and Morecambe Primary Mental Health Workers have shared their Winter 2026 with a theme of ‘compassion in practice’ including an update with a selection of training workshops: 

Youth Mental Health First Aid (2-day training) 
A practical, in-depth course building confidence to recognise, understand and respond to mental health needs in children and young people, with a strong focus on early support and signposting. 

Dates: 28–29 January 2026 and 11–12 March 2026 | Time: 9am–5pm | Location: Health Innovation Campus, Lancaster University 

ADHD Awareness Workshop (online) 
An accessible session exploring ADHD in children and young people, helping professionals better understand behaviours, needs and practical support strategies. 

Date: 3 March 2026 | Time: 9.30–11am | Location: Online 

ASD Awareness Workshop (online) 
A focused workshop supporting professionals to deepen understanding of autism and develop inclusive, informed approaches when working with children and young people. 

Date: 19 March 2026 | Time: 9.30am–12pm | Location: Online 

Supporting Children and Young People Experiencing Bereavement or Significant Loss 
A full-day, face-to-face workshop offering practical tools and compassionate approaches to support young people through grief and loss, delivered in collaboration with CancerCare. 

Date: TBC | Time: 9.30am–4.30pm | Location: Lancaster and Morecambe area 

Seasons for Growth (2-day training) 
Training designed to help professionals support children and young people experiencing change, loss and transition, strengthening emotional resilience and coping skills. 

Dates: Summer term 2026 (TBC) | Location: Face to face 

Read their winter update here 

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Lancashire Youth Challenge Spring Open for Referrals 
Lancashire Youth Challenge is now welcoming referrals for its Spring 2026 programme, offering supportive and engaging opportunities for young people across Lancaster. The programme brings together wellbeing, fitness, creativity and nature-based activities to help young people build confidence, resilience and connection, with targeted support for at-risk young men and resettled young people alongside the Time to Breathe wellbeing sessions. 

• Time to Breathe  (sessions start on Monday 26th Jan) 

• Targeted RESTORE with EFC (non-contact boxing) session at Salt Ayre on Tuesdays 4pm -5pm for at risk young men aged 12 -15 

• A new RESTORE creative and outdoor challenge project for resettled young people that starts next Tuesday and is running 5pm – 6.30pm at St Thomas’s centre – a mix of fitness, well being, creative arts and a few exciting day trips. 

Dates: January–March 2026 
Locations: Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, St Thomas’s Centre and community venues across Lancaster 
Referrals to: [email protected]  

Time to Breathe leaflet 1 
Time to Breathe dates 
Targeted Restore flyer 
Restore Creative & Outdoor Challenge flyer 
Download the referral form here

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Lancashire Young Carers Awareness Sessions Available 
Lancashire Young Carers is offering short information and awareness sessions for teams working with children and families. These sessions help professionals better recognise young carers, understand the impact of caring roles on young people’s lives and feel confident about referral routes. Sessions can be delivered flexibly as part of team meetings or network sessions, either online or in person, making them easy to fit into existing practice. 

Format: Online or in person 
Audience: Professionals working with children and families 

See their information poster 
Download the LYC Booklet 

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Escape2 Make Updates 
Film Club Takes on a Murder Mystery 
The Film Club is gearing up for an exciting year ahead, with members set to write, produce, direct and star in an original murder mystery film to be shot at the Lancaster City Museum. Alongside hands-on filmmaking, the club will also host a free cinema social in partnership with the Bay International Film Festival, offering a welcoming space for film lovers of all kinds to connect and get involved. 

Date & time: Every other Thursday, starting 15 January, 5pm–7pm 
Location: 56 Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1LH 

Find out more here 

Paid Creative Opportunities for Summer 2026 with Young People 
Escape 2 Make is inviting creative practitioners to get involved in the E2M Heritage Festival, a celebration of Lancaster and Morecambe’s local history shaped through hands-on creativity with young people aged 11–18. Paid opportunities are available to deliver imaginative workshops across five weeks of the summer holidays, leading up to a vibrant public festival that puts young people’s creativity and local heritage centre stage. 

Dates: Workshops run 25 July–28 August 2026, Festival on Saturday 29 August 2026 
Location: Lancaster and Morecambe 

Learn more 

Escape 2 Make Opens Saturday Drop-In Sessions 
Escape 2 Make is opening its doors on Saturdays, creating a relaxed and welcoming drop-in space for young people to hang out, get creative, play games and meet new people. With a friendly team of facilitators and volunteers on hand, the sessions offer a safe place to connect, unwind and explore creativity in an informal way. 

Date & time: Every Saturday, 11am–2pm 
Location: 56 Church Street, Lancaster LA1 1LH 

Find out more 

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Upcoming Webinars from Kooth 
Free Kooth Webinar for Families: Anxiety and Self-Care 
Kooth is hosting a free 45-minute webinar for families, offering practical guidance on supporting children and young people with anxiety. Delivered by Kooth’s community engagement team alongside a clinician, the session will help families recognise signs of anxiety, understand how to offer support and learn how Kooth’s services can help. 

Dates: 26 January 2026 or 28 January 2026 
Location: Online 

Free Webinar for Professionals: Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance 
A free 45-minute webinar is being offered for professionals to explore Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance as the new term gets underway. The session will support understanding of EBSNA, why it can emerge at transition points and how professionals can respond with confidence and compassion when supporting children, young people and families. 

Date & time: 19 January 2026 or 21 January 2026 
Location: Online 

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Half-Term Adventure Club at Waddow! 
Families, get ready for a half-term packed with adventure at Waddow Activity Centre. From zip lines and tree climbs to arts, crafts, and bushcraft skills, there’s something for everyone. Running from 16th to 20th February 2026, 9am–3pm each day, at £25 per day including breakfast. 

View their poster here 

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Online Event: Supporting Young People to Raise Their Voice 
Centre for Youth Voice is hosting an online event exploring practical ways to support young people to build confidence, influence decisions and have their voices heard. This session will be useful for anyone working alongside young people who wants to strengthen meaningful youth participation and embed young people’s voice in practice. 

Date & time: 10 February 2026 
Location: Online 

Find out more here 

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Free Professional Support for Local Sports Clubs
Sported is offering free tailored support to grassroots sports clubs and community organisations by matching them with skilled volunteers who share practical expertise. The programme helps clubs strengthen their foundations build sustainability and better support young people through flexible one-to-one guidance shaped around what each club needs most.

More information and sign up

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CFS Updated Request for Support Form Now Available
The Child and Family Service has refreshed its Request for Support form to make referrals clearer and more accessible for professionals families and parents. The updated form will be available on the service website shortly and is supported by a new service app which can be downloaded via QR code. Multiple contact routes remain in place to ensure support is easy to reach when it is needed.
Contact details: Phone 0300 247 0040
Website: lancschildandfamily.co.uk
Click here for the support form 

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Calm Together Launches Early Support for Primary Aged Children
Calm Together is a new community-focused service offering early bespoke support for primary aged children experiencing emotional or behavioural challenges. The team works alongside families and schools to deliver practical interventions in the home or classroom with support tailored to each child’s needs whether they are waiting for assessment on a diagnostic pathway or simply in need of extra guidance. The service aims to reduce family stress build children’s confidence and strengthen consistent approaches across school and home to support lasting positive change. 

Contact the team for more at: [email protected]  

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Resources with the Witherslack Group

Sleep Resources 
Explore supportive strategies to help create a calmer bedtime routine. From building a consistent routine to creating a sensory-friendly sleep environment, learn ways to ease anxiety and support neurodivergent children and young people’s needs.  

Witherslack Group Podcast 
In the latest episode of their podcast SENsational, Teenagers and challenging behaviour, they’re joined by Mathew Bell, who has over 13 years of experience working with children and young people at WG.  

The conversation explores:  

• Practical strategies for managing routines, structure and sleep  

• Noticing changes in behaviour and understanding what they might mean  

• The importance of communication to build relationships  

Listen on Spotify  or  watch on YouTube  

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Support for Bereaved Students 
Ask Me: Education is a campaign built by young people, for young people, to change how bereaved students are supported in nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.  This campaign has been created because too many students are still struggling to balance grief and learning without the support they need.   

Find out more and sign  

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New Lancaster Prop Up Project Launches
A new Prop Up Project group has launched in Lancaster, offering weekly creative and wellbeing sessions for young people aged 13–19 who are experiencing mental health challenges or difficulties engaging with peers. The small group sessions provide a supportive space to build confidence, coping strategies and life skills through hands-on activities. Referrals are open for professionals, families and young people. 

Date & time: Mondays, 4:30–6:30pm
Location: Barton Road Centre, Lancaster
Contact: [email protected] or 07568 937988 

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Calm Together – Helping Families Navigate Big Emotions
Calm Together offers a supportive space for families managing emotional regulation and challenging behaviour at home. The team helps parents understand the “why” behind behaviour, offering practical strategies, family workshops, and bespoke tools to build calm, connected home environments. Their compassionate approach focuses on co-regulation and emotional understanding to help children and parents thrive together. 

Contact: [email protected]
Read the more info here
Facebook: Calm Together – Supporting Emotional Regulation 

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Arts4Us Research Study 
Are you a professional supporting children and young people’s mental health from any of these contexts?  

• Health and social care  
• Education  
• Arts and cultural organisations  
• Local Authorities  
• Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprises (VCFSE)  

More Music are involved in a research programme called Arts4Us, which explores the ways in which access to arts activities can be improved for children and young people (CYP) who are at risk of, or experiencing, mental health challenges.   

They are conducting a survey to explore the views of different professionals who support the mental health of children and young people about how they can improve access to arts activities.  

For more information, please contact Dr Robyn Dowlen [email protected]   

Take part in the survey  

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Job Club 
CAP is running a “Steps to Employment” course - friendship, community, fun, videos, group discussion, skills, motivation, encouragement, and goal setting at Stanley Road Baptist, you will also have time to access job searches online and to work on CVs. Refreshment will be provided.  

These sessions will be held weekly.

Location: Stanley Road Baptist Church, Stanley Road, Morecambe, Lancashire 
LA3 1UP  

For more info please contact Ali Demet on 07849304205 or email [email protected]   

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New Creative Support for Young People – Prop Up Project Launch
SAFE is launching its Prop Up Project in Lancaster this November, offering a safe, relaxed space for young people aged 13–19 to explore creative activities, build confidence, and improve wellbeing at their own pace. Designed for those navigating life’s challenges, the project provides both group and individual activities in a friendly, pressure-free environment. Referrals are now open for the Lancaster sessions. 

Date & time: Mondays, 4:30–6:30pm
location: Barton Road Centre, Lancaster 

View the flyer for full details here 

Wildlife Wellbeing Walks – forthcoming events
Winter Walk on Fairfield Nature Reserve – 24 January, 10am – 12 noon
Join Wildlife Wellbeing Walks for a gentle walk around this beautiful green space to mindfully connect with nature. You’ll be looking at plant life for signs of the season and the coming spring and listening for early birdsong from species that are here year-round.

Preparing for Spring at Freeman’s Wood – 22 February, 1pm – 3pm
As the days lengthen and March approaches, how is wildlife responding to seasonal changes? We will be looking for signs of plant growth and listening for early bird song as nature gears up for the spring. As always this will be a mindful exploration of the natural world.

Walks £15, find out more and book here. If you are unwaged, email [email protected] to enquire about discounted tickets.

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North Lancashire Is Golden Strategy Day Announced
FoodFutures is inviting partners and community organisations to take part in the North Lancashire Is Golden Strategy Day as work continues towards achieving a Gold Sustainable Food Places Award in 2026. The event will celebrate the strength of the local food system while bringing people together to explore how collective action can support a healthier more resilient and fair food future across Lancaster District. Attendees can expect shared learning meaningful connections and good food with booking essential to support sustainable catering.

Date & time: Wednesday 25 February 2026, 10am–3pm
Location: Lancaster District, venue to be confirmed

Explore more about this event and sign up

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Winter Climate and Budget Friendly Cooking Classes
A new series of winter cooking classes is inviting local people to build confidence with affordable seasonal food while reducing waste at home. Led by chef Marina Tcaci the sessions focus on making the most of simple ingredients and sharing practical skills participants can use every day. Each session offers a relaxed hands-on experience with food to take home and recipes to recreate the dishes again.

Dates & times: Wednesday 21 January 2026, 5.30–7.30pm; Saturday 21 February 2026, 11.30am–1.30pm; Wednesday 18 March 2026, 5.30–7.30pm
Location: Various venues

Find out more and reserve your place

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Fruit Tree and Bush Pruning Workshop
A free practical workshop is being offered for allotment holders and community growers who care for fruit trees and bushes across the district. Led by experienced facilitators the session will build confidence and skills around seasonal pruning with hands-on opportunities to practice at the right time of year. Booking is essential as places are limited and the session will take place mainly outdoors.

Date & time: Sunday 18 January 2026, 10am–12.30pm
Location: Claver Hill Community Farm, Ridge Lane, Lancaster, LA1 3JY

Find out more and reserve your place

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Lancaster Potato Day Returns
Lancaster Potato Day is back offering a welcoming community event celebrating local growing and food culture. The day will bring together growers and residents to share knowledge explore heritage produce and connect with community food initiatives in a relaxed and inclusive setting. With free entry the event is open to everyone with an interest in food growing and sustainable local systems. There will be 25 varieties of organic seed potato & 5 organic onion set varieties on sale, seed swap, heritage fruit trees, jams & preserves, cafe, variety of community food stalls, allotment governance support with Mark Simmonds from Co-op Culture.

Date & time: Saturday 31 January, 10am–3pm
Location: Friends Meeting House, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster

Find out more about this event

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Nature Connectedness – Practical Schools Handbook
The latest Nature Connectedness handbook has been released. The University of Derby’s new Nature Connection in Schools handbook distils robust evidence into an easy, do-able toolkit for educators and youth workers—covering why connection matters for wellbeing and pro-environmental behaviour, and how to embed it through simple, high-impact activities, spaces and whole-school culture. Perfect for primaries, secondaries and anyone working with children and young people.

There are also spare trees available for groups keen to plant—get in touch if you’d like some or a chat about implementing nature connectedness.

View the handbook pdf here

Bay International Film Festival Returns for Its Third Edition
The Bay International Film Festival is set to return to Morecambe for its third edition, bringing nine days of independent cinema, creative celebration and community connection to venues across the town. The festival will showcase extraordinary films alongside post-screening conversations, many featuring visiting filmmakers, continuing its commitment to accessible culture through free and low-cost events for local audiences.

Date: 23 January – 1 February 2026
Location: Morecambe

Take a look at the Film Festival Programme

Community Fundraiser – Multicultural Cumbria 
Multicultural Cumbria is seeking an experienced Community Fundraiser to lead on community fundraising and events, helping to generate sustainable income and build a strong culture of fundraising across the organisation. Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership, you will develop relationships with communities, supporters and corporate partners, deliver engaging fundraising campaigns and events, and act as an ambassador for Multicultural Cumbria across the county. This is a part-time, flexible role with scope to grow and shape fundraising activity over time. 

Salary: £13,500 per year (part-time) / £27,000 FTE 
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract (with 6-month probation), with potential for extension subject to performance 
Location: Hybrid – Multicultural Cumbria office, remote working, and event locations across Cumbria 
Closing date: 5pm, 9 February 2026 

Find out more about this role and apply 

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CGL Project Lead – North (Active Lancashire) 
Active Lancashire are seeking a CGL Project Lead to lead the delivery of the New CGL Project in a Lancashire locality, building strong partnerships across the recovery community to support people to improve and maintain their physical and mental wellbeing. The post holder will manage delivery staff and volunteers, develop inclusive health and wellbeing activities, coordinate local networks and ensure strong monitoring, reporting and impact evidence in line with contract requirements. 

Salary: SCP 19–22 (£32,061 – £33,699) 
Contract: 37 hours per week, full time, permanent subject to external funding (Enhanced DBS required) 
Location: Lancashire (North focus area) 
Closing date: Open (applications reviewed on an ongoing basis) 

Find out more about this role and apply 
Download the role profile here 

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Development Officer (2 posts) – The Phoenix Way 
These Development Officer roles play a key part in strengthening partnerships, coordinating projects and building capacity across the voluntary and community sector. Working closely with partners, funders and communities, the post holders will support funding development, programme delivery and collaboration, with a strong focus on amplifying the voices of marginalised and racially minoritised communities and helping to build fairer funding ecosystems. 

Salary: £32,115 per annum 
Contract: 37 hours per week, 12 months with possible extension of up to 4 years (subject to funding). Job share considered 
Location: 1 post based in Manchester, working across Greater Manchester, 1 post based in Blackburn, working across Lancashire 
Closing date: Monday 2nd February 2026, 10am 

Click here for further details 

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Centre Manager – Cancer Support Services (Lancaster) 
CancerCare is seeking a Centre Manager to oversee the safe, welcoming and effective day-to-day operation of its cancer support centres. The role is central to maintaining high standards across facilities, health and safety and compliance, ensuring calm and supportive environments for people affected by cancer, alongside staff, volunteers and therapists. 

Salary: £26,520 per annum 
Contract: 37.5 hours per week, permanent 
Location: Based in Lancaster with travel across North Lancashire and South Cumbria 
Closing date: 7 February 2026 

For more info and application 

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New Engagement & Wellbeing Roles Launch in Morecambe 
Eden Project has announced new roles within its Engagement and Wellbeing team in Morecambe, delivered in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust and The Bay Project. These posts offer the chance to deliver nature-based wellbeing and engagement activities that support both community wellbeing and nature’s recovery, with roles directly employed by the Eden Project as part of this collaborative local partnership. 

Location: Morecambe 
More information here 

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Casual Youth Worker – Marsh Community Centre
The Marsh Community Centre is looking for a Casual Youth Worker to support inclusive youth sessions in a friendly and welcoming community setting. The role involves building positive relationships with young people and helping to create safe engaging activities alongside a supportive team. It is well suited to someone enthusiastic about youth work who is either experienced or keen to learn and committed to good safeguarding practice.

If you would like more information please message them on Facebook or email [email protected] for more information.

See their Facebook post about it here

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CGL Project Lead Opportunity – North Lancashire
Active Lancashire is recruiting a CGL Project Lead to drive the delivery of a new Active Recovery programme across North Lancashire from February 2026. This full-time permanent role will lead partnership working across recovery communities and local systems supporting people to improve physical and mental wellbeing through inclusive physical activity. The post offers the chance to shape place-based delivery manage staff and volunteers and create meaningful impact in communities including Lancaster Morecambe Wyre and Fylde.

Salary: SCP 19–22 £32,061–£33,699
Contract: Full time 37 hours permanent subject to external funding
Location: North Lancashire including Lancaster Morecambe Wyre and Fylde
Closing date: Currently open

Explore this role and apply

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Pupil Attendance Support Worker – Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is recruiting a Pupil Attendance Support Worker to join its School Attendance Support Team and help improve attendance outcomes for children and young people. The role works closely with schools families and partner services to address barriers to attendance using data-led approaches and collaborative practice. This is an agile post with regular travel across North Lancashire and opportunities to make a meaningful impact on pupils’ engagement with education.

Salary: £36,363–£40,777 per annum, pro rata
Contract: Permanent, full time 37 hours per week, term time only
Location: North Lancashire including Lancaster, Morecambe and Fleetwood with meetings in Preston and Chorley
Closing date: Monday 9 February 2026, 12pm

Find out more about this role and apply

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Trauma Informed Therapist – We Are Survivors
We Are Survivors is seeking a Trauma Informed Therapist to deliver high-quality prison-based therapeutic support within its Criminal Justice Services. The role focuses on providing trauma-informed therapy to male survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation, working to the organisation’s strong values around integrity, inclusion and survivor-led practice. This is a highly specialist role requiring professional registration, strong safeguarding practice and the ability to work confidently within confidential and secure environments.

Salary: (£27,810. 33 – based on a full time equivalent)
Contract: Part-time (15 hrs/2 days), Permanent
Location: Prison-based delivery, Leyland, organisational base Salford, Greater Manchester
Closing date: 30 January 2026, 3.45pm

Read the role profile here
Find out more and apply

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Veterans Officer – Morecambe FC Community Foundation
Morecambe FC Community Foundation is looking for an energetic and capable individual to join their team as a Veterans Officer

This part time role is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund until March 2027, with the aim of improving the health and wellbeing of veterans. The Officer will deliver early interventions that tackle severe loneliness in older veterans living alone in care settings, supported living accommodation, and in the community. They will also provide personalised one-to-one support and accessible group activity that will create trusted relationships, social connections, development of new skills, and improve access to local services.

Salary: £12.21 per hour
Contract: Part-time (15 hours per week), fixed term to March 2027
Location: Morecambe and various venues across the district
Closing date: 20 January 2026
Interviews: week beginning 26 January 2026

Find out more and apply

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Could you be an on-call Firefighter?
Lancashire Fire & Rescue Service are looking for people across Lancashire to join their on-call crew – no experience needed, full training provided. 

• Starting retainer of £4,445 a year + call-out payments 

• Firefighter pension scheme 

• Flexible hours to fit around your life 

Find out more 

Lancaster District CVS – We are here to help 

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]