LDCVS Bulletin: 23 January 2026
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Our weekly Bulletin is full of useful information. It’s one of the ways that LDCVS supports you to support your communities.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Lancaster District CVS AGM – Friday 20 February, 1pm
Lancaster District CVS will be holding our Annual General Meeting on 20 February at 1pm, via Teams.
The meeting will receive reports and accounts relating to our financial year ending 30 June 2025, and is also where our members elect trustees and appoint auditors for the charity.
While the AGM is a business meeting for our member organisations, it is also a public meeting open to anyone who wants to attend to find out more about our work. We’d be really grateful if you could spend some time with us to hear more about our achievements and plans
Papers for the AGM will be circulated to members shortly, and will be publicly available in future editions of the Bulletin.
Save this teams link (or download this file and add it to your calendar app) to join us on the day.
If you have any questions, please do get in touch with Nick Smith, Operations Manager, at [email protected]
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VCSFE Solo Workers Wellbeing and Peer Support Group
Starting Wednesday 4th March at 4.00pm, Lancaster District CVS is launching a new monthly wellbeing session designed specifically for solo workers across the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCSFE) sector.
Many managers, activity coordinators and project officers often find themselves working in isolation, juggling wide-ranging responsibilities, or carrying the emotional weight of supporting people with complex needs. These roles can be demanding, sometimes stressful, and can leave individuals without the peer support or space they need to reflect, offload, or simply connect with others who truly understand their challenges.
These relaxed, agenda-free sessions will take place at the CVS office in the Cornerstone and will offer a friendly, informal environment with refreshments, conversation, and a safe place to share experiences. Participants will also have the opportunity to shape future wellbeing activities such as group walks, social events, or other supportive ideas that emerge.
This initiative is being trialled to explore whether there’s a wider need for ongoing support of this kind. While we’re beginning on Wednesday afternoons, the format and timing may evolve based on what works best for those attending.
Interested in coming along? You can just turn up at the CVS Office at The Cornerstone, Sulyard Street, Lancaster LA1 PX from 4.00pm Wednesday 4th March. We’ll be there until 5.30pm.
Not sure whether the session is right for you and want to ask some questions? Contact Sharon, Development Support Officer on 01524 555900 or via email – [email protected]
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Swop Shop Skill Share Network: Making Connections – Community Ideas to Reduce Isolation
Making Connections: Community Ideas to Reduce Isolation is a welcoming, third-sector-friendly evening for anyone working with people who feel isolated or struggle to connect locally. Hosted by West End Impact, the session creates space to share skills, learn from lived experience, swap ideas and build supportive networks in the West End of Morecambe. Through peer discussion and practical examples, attendees will explore creative ways to reduce isolation and strengthen community connection, with free food included.
Date & time: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 5.30–7.30pm
Location: 4–10 Heysham Road, Morecambe, LA3 1DG
Find out more and reserve your place
Please contact Sharon for more info: [email protected] or call 01524 555900.
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Following our recent Standing Together – Youth & Community Solidarity session, Lancaster District CVS has shared the meeting notes and is inviting partners to join the next gathering as we continue shaping shared priorities for young people and communities across the district.
This meeting will focus on developing the key themes identified in our last meeting, exploring achievable actions, how we take these forward in practice, and continuing to develop our shared vision.
Wednesday 28 January 2026
9:30–11:30am
Venue: Moor Space (corner of Moor Lane/Edward Street, Lancaster La1 1QH)
For more information, please email Yak Patel at [email protected]
Four Nations Fund Opens for International Creative Collaboration
Creative Scotland has opened applications for the Four Nations International Fund 2026, supporting artists and organisations to build international partnerships and co-create projects across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with links to Europe and beyond. The fund is designed to make cross-border collaboration more accessible, fair and climate-aware, offering support for new ways of working together at a time of global challenge. Grants of up to £7,500 are available for projects starting from May 2026.
Deadline: Wednesday 25 February 2026, 2pm
Location: UK-wide with international partners
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Which? Opens Research Grants to Tackle Consumer Harm
Which? is inviting applications from UK-registered charities, eligible universities and not-for-profit CICs for research projects that shine a light on consumer harms affecting diverse and disadvantaged communities and help shape practical, evidence-led solutions. This year’s funding focuses on next-generation energy business models that support a fair clean energy transition and on online choice architecture, with an emphasis on collaboration and real-world impact. A small number of high-quality projects will be supported through a two-stage application process.
Deadline: Stage One applications close 30 March 2026
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eBay Circular Fashion Fund Opens for Applications
eBay has opened applications to its Circular Fashion Fund, supporting startups, small businesses and eligible social enterprises developing practical solutions that extend product life, reduce waste and keep materials in use across the fashion sector. Eight finalists will each receive $50,000 alongside mentoring and development support, with one global winner potentially securing a $300,000 investment. The fund is open to organisations trading for between six months and six years, including UK-registered charities and social enterprises where eligible.
Deadline: 8 March 2026
Explore this funding opportunity
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Local School Nature Grants Now Open
Learning through Landscapes has opened applications for its Local School Nature Grants, offering free support to help schools and early years settings strengthen outdoor learning. Funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery, the programme provides staff training, a climate-focused curriculum kit, a school grounds survey and £500 of outdoor equipment, supporting confident learning through nature. Open to eligible settings across England, Scotland and Wales.
Dates: applications open 12 January to 13 March 2026
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Grassroots Grants Return for 2026
Groundwork has reopened its Grassroots Grants programme, delivered with support from the People’s Postcode Lottery, offering flexible, unrestricted funding to small community groups across England. Up to £2,000 is available to help local organisations keep vital work going, from core running costs to activities that support wellbeing, inclusion and stronger neighbourhoods, with a particular focus on communities facing higher levels of deprivation.
Dates: applications open January to September 2026
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Grow Wild Community Programme Funding Reminder
Grow Wild is reminding community groups that applications close soon for its Community Programme, offering grants of up to £2,000 to help transform urban spaces through planting UK native plants or fungi. The programme supports people-powered projects that boost biodiversity while helping communities connect with nature, particularly young people and those facing barriers or disadvantage. Funding can cover full project costs and there is an optional follow-on grant to support longer-term impact.
Deadline: 4 February 2026
Click here for further details
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Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund Opens
Home Office has opened applications for Year 2 of the Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund, providing part of a £1.5 million programme to support trusted organisations delivering specialist advocacy to Windrush Compensation Scheme claimants. The fund backs culturally informed, trauma-aware support to help people navigate applications, gather evidence and feel safe telling their story, with delivery organised across defined UK regions.
Closing date: 6 February 2026 (5:00pm)
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Continuo Foundation Grant Round 11 Now Open
Continuo Foundation has opened its eleventh grant round, offering £100,000 to support Early Music concerts, tours, recordings and creative projects across the UK. Grants of £2,000–£6,000 are available for projects taking place between May and November 2026, including a dedicated strand for emerging ensembles and a special £6,000 anniversary award in partnership with The Purcell Society to celebrate the music of Henry Purcell. This round continues Continuo’s commitment to widening access to Early Music and strengthening the sector nationwide.
Application deadline: March 2026
Project period: May–November 2026
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
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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
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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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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
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West End Morecambe Solidarity Fund
West End Morecambe Big Local have asked LDCVS to establish the West End Morecambe Solidarity Fund. Through this fund, community organisations can access money to buy goods and services on behalf of individuals or families living in the West End Morecambe Big Local area, supporting them with urgent needs up to the value of £250.
The fund is open for applications now. Decisions will be made shortly after applications are received (within two weeks on average) and the opportunity will remain open until all the funds have been granted. You can find out more information and read a guidance document by visiting www.lancastercvs.org.uk/wemsf
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Lancaster City Council Household Support Fund
Lancaster City Council, in partnership with North Lancashire Citizens Advice, has reopened its Household Support Fund to assist residents struggling with the rising cost of living. Funded by the Department for Work and Pensions, the scheme provides longer-term support for eligible individuals aged 16+ living in the Lancaster District who are facing financial hardship. Assistance may cover essentials such as utility bills, food, appliances, and housing costs. Applicants must not have received support from the fund in the past six months and will be required to engage with Citizens Advice for assessment and benefit checks.
Households will only be able to submit one application between April 1st 2025 -March 31st 2026.
Find out more about the LCC Household Support Fund
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Eric Wright Charitable Trust 2025
Once again, Lancaster District CVS is working with the Eric Wright Charitable Trust to distribute grants of up to £500 to community organisations with an annual income below £50,000. Projects simply need to show how they can make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of people of any age.
The fund opened for applications on Friday 18 April.
There are no fixed application deadlines. Apply for funding at any time and we’ll let you know the result by the middle of the following month. For example, all organisations that submit an application before midnight on 30 April will find out whether or not they have a grant in the middle of May. May applicants will find out in June, and so on until the fund is entirely allocated.
Download full guidance and apply at www.lancastercvs.org.uk/funding or to ask any questions about the fund please get in touch by email at [email protected]
West End Community Forum
Stanley’s Community Centre and More Music want your voice! Whether you live in or care about Morecambe’s West End, share what makes you proud and what can be improved. Scan the QR code or pick up a paper survey at Stanley’s or More Music. All responses are confidential.
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Lancaster & Morecambe City of Sanctuary AGM Confirmed
Lancaster & Morecambe City of Sanctuary has confirmed the date of its Annual General Meeting, inviting friends and supporters to come together to meet Trustees, ask questions and share ideas. The AGM is one of the key opportunities each year for in-person connection and reflection, with the organisation continuing to keep its wider community informed through regular newsletters and local events.
Date & time: Wednesday 4 February 2026, 7.30pm
Location: Friends Meeting House, Lancaster
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The Clubhouse Morecambe will be holding its Annual General Meeting and warmly welcomes members and the wider community to attend. The evening will offer an opportunity to hear updates on the year, take part in governance and learn more about trustee roles for those interested in supporting the organisation’s future direction. Voting will be open to current members with elections carried out by paper ballot. If you are interested in joining the board of trustees, please contact The Chairperson, Treasurer or Secretary.
Date & time: Tuesday 27 January 2026, 6.30pm
Location: The Clubhouse, Charles Street, Morecambe, LA4 5SX
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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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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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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


Trustee Role at Ludus Dance
Ludus Dance are looking for new Trustees with vision and experience to help support the charity. They are particularly interested in people who have an interest in youth-led work and in supporting young people to thrive.
Salary: Unpaid, with expenses covered
Contract: Part-time (approximately 1 day per month), 3-year term
Location: The Storey, Meeting House Lane
Closing date: 31 January 2026
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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.
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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]
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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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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.
The Warrior Down Social Supermarket provides affordable, high-quality products to people in recovery, those facing financial hardship, and anyone who needs a hand up. Volunteers are at the heart of making this possible.
As a volunteer, you’ll help create a warm, welcoming environment where every person is treated with respect. Tasks may include:
- Supporting customers on the shop floor
- Stocking shelves and organising stock deliveries
- Helping maintain a clean, safe, and friendly space
- Offering a listening ear and signposting where appropriate
- Working alongside people with lived experience in a supportive, recovery-focused team
Volunteering is flexible, with opportunities across the week. Find out more and register.
We’ve had a slowdown to our regular call for opportunities for under 18s to volunteer, but we continue to receive requests for roles for people between 14 and 17 years old, so if you have any roles for under 18s to support your organisation or project, please let us know.
Volunteers Needed for Winter Community Meals Programme
The Food Justice Partnership is putting together a programme of free community meals and pop-up food clubs to support local residents over Christmas and New Year, and they’re calling for volunteers to help make it happen. They’re also keen to hear from any groups interested in hosting their own winter meal during the festive period. Anyone able to lend a hand or find out more can register their interest via the link provided.
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Opportunities for Volunteering from Home
Do you have any volunteering roles that can be done from home? We would like to increase the number of options that are available for people who either cannot, or would prefer not to, go out to volunteer.
This can include people with disabilities; people who are challenged by anxiety, depression, or other mental wellbeing issues; people with short-term illness or injury that prevents them from going out; people who are isolating because of some other health related issue; or perhaps just people who want to do something but would find it more convenient to work from home.
Roles that could be done from home could include things like administration, finance, social media, marketing and promotion, telephone befriending etc and often would only require minimal equipment, such as a computer and an internet connection.
Please contact [email protected] with your volunteering needs. We have volunteers waiting for home-based roles, so there is potential for a quick referral.
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Volunteer Opportunity Promotion and Recruitment
Have you registered on our website to promote your volunteer roles? By adding your opportunities to our website you will be making them available to the hundreds of people per month who check our site looking for something to do. You will also enable our team to easily and quickly signpost people to your roles, to give them the information that they need to decide whether they would like to apply.
Registering is quick and easy and you can do it here.
Once registered you will be able to add your roles. If you need any help, or have any questions, you can contact Mark by email at [email protected]
In addition to the website, the Volunteer Centre can promote your roles via our bulletins and newsletters; through attendance at in-person events such as volunteer fairs; in 121 meetings with potential volunteers; through visits to various support organisations; drop-in events at local Job Centres; by posting to our social media platforms; and through our bi-weekly column in the Lancaster Guardian.
If you would like to discuss any of this, including having space in our Lancaster Guardian column, please contact Mark.
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Volunteering Opportunity Help Guide
We have produced a guide to help you when adding an opportunity to our website – It is quite detailed and covers every possible question. You don’t need to follow it but please do look at it if you get stuck or if it isn’t clear which option to choose when going through the form to add new opportunities.
You can now also add more users to your account. Once registered, log in, hover on Account at the top of the dashboard and click ‘Users’, where you can add more users. This will be useful if you would like someone else to check applicant info and contact potential volunteers.
You can also now choose which category to add your opportunity under, to help people when searching for roles. If you can’t find an appropriate category, just use the ‘default’ category and let us know what categories you would like to see added.
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DBS Checks
We offer a DBS check service, working in partnership with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale CVS. If you need DBS certificates for your staff or volunteers, please visit our website here.
New! Free or discounted compliance training for LDCVS members
We have partnered with VSL Learning who offer high-quality, CPD-certified training for charities in:
- 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
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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
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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.
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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)
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Upcoming Employability & Sector Training Dates
PHX Training has shared a new programme of employability pathways running from late January through March 2026, offering local people practical routes into work across customer service, hospitality, cleaning and care. Courses include guaranteed interviews with Haven, customer service pathways with CV and interview support, and hospitality training designed to prepare learners for seasonal vacancies, with further pathways such as CSCS, teaching assistant and adult care launching soon. Opportunities include local travel support from Morecambe and Lancaster, making these courses accessible and job-focused from day one.
Dates & location: January–March 2026, Morecambe and Lancaster area
See the full list of training sessions and dates here
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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
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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:
- 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.
- 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:
* 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.
- £345 for SME employers (90% funded)
- £750 for non-SMEs (approx. 80% funded)
- Fully funded for individuals that will secure a new job in the health or social care sector following course commencement.
- Learners must be 19+
- Must be based in Lancashire
- Must work in or contribute to the health or social care sector
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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.
Voluntary organisations can also participate at no cost, gaining visibility and facilitating referrals.
Explore the directory at directory.lancastercvs.org.uk and connect with services to enhance your wellbeing. For more information or to join, email [email protected] or call 01524 555900.
Help could be closer than you think
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Affordable Warmth Lancashire: Support for Healthier Homes
Lancashire County Council is encouraging partners to help spread the word about the Affordable Warmth Lancashire fund, which supports residents who are struggling to keep their homes warm and are at risk of ill health as a result. The scheme offers practical interventions such as insulation, draught proofing, heating and boiler repairs, alongside energy and debt advice, with a strong focus on people with long-term health conditions as well as older and younger residents. Social Prescribing Teams are invited to make referrals so this support reaches those who need it most, with delivery led locally by district councils and partner organisations.
More information and referrals: via district contacts on the referral sheet
Enquiries: [email protected]
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NatureWell: Free Nature & Wellbeing Course
A new free online course is open to people living or working in Lancashire, offering a gentle introduction to the NatureWell nature and health programme and how nature connection can support everyday wellbeing. Delivered through a series of guided online sessions, participants will explore simple, practical activities to try between sessions that can help reduce stress and support people experiencing anxiety or low mood, with space for reflection, questions and optional sharing. Those taking part will also be invited to a free in-person nature and wellbeing day near Heysham later in the programme, delivered by Guided by Nature.
Date: online sessions with optional in-person day on 22 February 2026
Location: Online and near Heysham
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Cervical Cancer Prevention Week 2026
Cervical Cancer Prevention Week shines a timely spotlight on prevention, encouraging women and people with a cervix to take up routine screening and reminding communities how early action saves lives. The week supports the national ambition to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040, highlighting the power of screening and the HPV vaccination, and invites organisations to help spread the message by sharing resources and promoting local outreach including Living Well Bus visits.
Date: 19–25 January 2026
Location: community settings across the district
View the Cervical Cancer Prevention info sheet
View the Campaign poster here
View the Easy read cervical screening info sheet
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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)
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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)
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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.
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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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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
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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
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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]
More Music Weekly Sessions for Spring term 2026
More Music runs a packed programme of weekly inclusive musicmaking sessions for children and young people during termtime. Bursary places are available if cost is an issue.
Weekly sessions include:
- Clapping Song: under 5’s, £5 per session, Tuesdays 10am
- Bay Youth Voices: ages 6-11, £3 per session, Wednesdays 5-6pm
- Sing it out: ages 11-18, £3 per session, Wednesdays 5-7pm
- Vocal Lab: ages 11-18, £3 per session, Wednesdays 5-7pm
- Stages: ages 11-18, £3 per session, Thursdays 6-8
- Eco Collective Young Producers: ages 14-21, £3 per session, Mondays 6-8pm
- Unique Beatz: ages 14-25, Free, Mondays 4-5pm
- Baybeat Streetband: Ages 8+ (or younger if accompanied by an adult), £3 per session, Tuesdays from 6:15pm (beginners) 7:30pm (more experienced players)
- Folk Group: Ages 13+, £5 per session, Mondays 7-9pm
- Girls Can: Girls and non-binary people ages 12-19, Free, Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th March 10am-3pm
Click here for more information
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Children &Family Wellbeing Service – What’s On?
Over the months of January and February, there will be lots of different events available to support parents with young children and babies. There are a wide range of sessions, including Baby and You, Chatter Play and Development Matters, just to give a few examples, with plenty more to attend.
These events are taking place at a range of locations across the district, including Morecambe Central Library (LA4 5DL), Lune Park (LA1 2LN), Westgate Hub (LA4 4XF), Carnforth (LA5 9LS), Sandylands Community Hub (LA3 1EJ) and Salt Ayre Leisure Centre (LA1 5JS).
For more information, you can contact the team by email at [email protected] or view their session timetable poster here
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
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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
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
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
Free Trees Available for Local Green Spaces
Local green spaces have been offered the chance to receive free trees and hedging plants through a giveaway supported by Woodland Trust, with coordination from Natural England. A wide range of native trees and shrubs are available for planting, offering a great opportunity to enhance biodiversity and green spaces across the district. Groups interested in giving these trees a good home are encouraged to get in touch and share where they would be planted.
Contact: [email protected]
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Have Your Say on the Future of the Forest of Bowland
A public consultation has opened on the draft 2026–2031 Management Plan for the Forest of Bowland National Landscape, setting out a shared five-year vision to protect, enhance and celebrate this special place. Shaped by months of partnership working with communities, land managers and organisations, the plan outlines key challenges, priorities and actions to guide how the landscape is cared for in the years ahead. People who live in, work in or visit the area are warmly encouraged to share their views and help shape the final plan.
Date: consultation open 19 January – 2 March 2026
For more info and to take part in the consultation
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Women in Green Skills Bootcamp Now Open
A fully funded Women in Green Skills Bootcamp is now available for employed and self-employed women across Cheshire, Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, supporting career progression and new opportunities in sustainability, net zero, green energy and future infrastructure. The programme offers practical learning, mentoring and recognised certification, with a free online information session for anyone wanting to find out more before applying.
Date & time: information session Friday 23 January, 12–1pm
Location: Cheshire and Warrington (programme delivery)
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FoodFriends Winter Feast Returns
FoodFutures is inviting the community to its annual FoodFriends Winter Feast, a relaxed evening celebrating the impact of local growers and food projects supported through the FoodFriends scheme. Hosted at the Friends Meeting House in Lancaster, the event will showcase local produce, share learning from the new growers’ training programme and offer a chance to connect over a shared winter meal. Everyone is welcome and tickets are free, with optional donations to help cover food costs.
Date & time: Thursday 29 January 2026, 6.15–8.00pm
Location: Friends Meeting House (hosted by FoodFutures)
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FoodFutures: Quarterly Partnership Meeting and Golden Strategy Day
FoodFutures is kicking off the year with its first Quarterly Partnership meeting, bringing people together to share updates from across the themed working groups and look ahead to what’s coming up. Open to everyone, it’s a welcoming space to connect, learn and shape collective action. Those keen to play a bigger role in supporting the journey towards a Gold Sustainable Food Places Award are also invited to a key in-person moment next month, where voices from across the region will help steer the process.
Date & time: Wednesday 28 January 2026, 10:00–12:30 (online) | location: Zoom | Meeting link | Meeting ID: 870 2855 9030 & Passcode: 550728
Save the date: North Lancashire Is Golden, Tuesday 25 February 2026, 10:00–15:00 (in person, booking essential – Book here)
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Hands-On Heritage Skills in Bowland
This winter, the Forest of Bowland is inviting people to roll up their sleeves and reconnect with the landscape through free, practical training in traditional countryside skills. Led by experienced practitioners, these welcoming sessions offer a chance to learn hedge laying and dry stone walling while helping to care for the features that shape Bowland’s character. No experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get involved.
Dates & times: Hedge laying, 9–10 February 2026 (location TBC) and 2–3 March 2026, Sawley | Dry stone walling, 25–26 February 2026
Location: Forest of Bowland National Landscape
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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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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
Spring Wreath Workshop at Animal Care
Do you want to make your own flower wreath? You will be taught how to create your own spring wreath using flowers, feathers, moss, decorative eggs and foliage, alongside a range of gorgeous coloured textiles such as velvet and cotton. All materials are provided and included by the group.
Price: £45
Date: Saturday 14th March, 1–4pm
Location: Animal Care, Lancaster LA2 0RD
Learn more and reserve your place
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Two Years of Togetherness: Learning, Celebration and What’s Next
Civil Society Together CIC is marking two years of the Steps to Togetherness movement with a warm and reflective online event exploring what has been learned about connection, social cohesion and systems change, and where the work goes next. Through a podcast-style conversation with partners from across the country, the session will share insights from their national evaluation, celebrate grassroots collaboration and open up space for collective thinking about scaling togetherness at a time when solidarity and hope matter more than ever.
Date & time: 18 February 2026, 10.30–11.30am
Location: Online (hosted by Civil Society Together CIC)
Learn more about this event and book
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Spring Wreath Craft Afternoon in Support of Animal Care
Animal Care Sanctuary is hosting a relaxed and creative Spring Floral and Textile Wreath Workshop, offering participants the chance to create their own bespoke wreath using seasonal florals, foliage and beautiful textiles, all guided step by step by an experienced wreath-maker. The afternoon also includes a homemade afternoon tea from the Animal Care Tea Room, with all proceeds supporting the sanctuary’s vital work.
Date & time: Saturday 14 March 2026, 1.00–4.00pm
Location: Education Room, Animal Care Sanctuary, Scotforth, Lancaster
Find out more and reserve your place
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Amplify Your Voice Workshop: Speaking with Confidence
A welcoming, confidence-building workshop is coming to Lancaster, offering people the chance to strengthen their voice and feel more at ease when speaking to others. Amplify Your Voice: Speaking with Confidence is a free, friendly session designed to support anyone who wants to share ideas with greater clarity and assurance, whether in everyday conversations or more formal settings. Led by Jade, an engaging and supportive tutor, the workshop will explore practical techniques to relax, connect with your audience and discover your own authentic speaking style.
Date & time: Friday 23 January 2026, 1pm–3pm
Location: Lancaster Library
Contact: Sahara – [email protected]
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The Gregson Centre: Its Impact on Our City Talk
Come along for a fascinating presentation by Dr. Matt Cole, exploring the Gregson Centre’s 140-year history and its influence on Lancaster. Discover the stories behind this iconic community hub and what it has meant to the city over generations. Free entry and all are welcome!
Date & time: Thursday 29 January 2026, 12:30pm–1:30pm
Location: Lancaster Library, Market Square, Lancaster
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Sea Change: Bringing Colour to the West End Workshops
Bringing Colour to the West End: More Music’s project invites all abilities (16+) to free creative workshops to brighten the area and uplift the community. Saturdays: 10am–1pm on 24 Jan, 28 Feb, 21 Mar. Wednesdays: 6pm–9pm on 4, 11, 18 Feb. Location: The ReStore, 33 Yorkshire St, Morecambe. They’re also collecting driftwood, denim, and clothes for large-scale embroideries! To get involved or donate materials, email [email protected] Celebration event: 28 Mar.
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West End Community Clean Up
Join the West End Cleanup Crew! More Music is calling on all community champions to help keep the West End tidy. Whether you can spare an hour or a full day, come for litter picking, gardening, and free refreshments. All equipment is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm!
Dates: 3 Dec, 27 Jan, 28 Feb, 26 Mar.
Location: More Music, West End.
See their call out poster 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
Production Assistant at Lancaster Arts
Lancaster arts is a combined arts organisation looking to recruit a Production Assistant. This role is fantastic for someone who want to strengthen their production skills across all art forms.
Salary:£24,215 to £27,319
Contract: Part time, Fixed Term
Closing Date: 8 February 2026
Location: Lancaster University
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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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Crisis Recovery Worker – Waythrough (Lancaster)
Waythrough is recruiting a full-time Crisis Recovery Worker to join its outreach service in Lancaster, supporting people experiencing mental health crisis through a recovery-focused, community-based approach. The role involves remote working alongside community and occasional home visits, working closely with clinical teams and supporting individuals to build coping strategies and resilience at times of crisis.
Salary: £24,243–£28,930 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37 hours per week, Monday–Friday)
Location: Lancaster, predominantly remote with community and home visits
Closing date: Not specified
Find out more about this role and apply
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Assistant Warden – Leighton Moss (RSPB)
A hands-on conservation role at one of the UK’s most celebrated nature reserves, supporting the day-to-day management of Leighton Moss and the wider Morecambe Bay reserves. The postholder will help deliver habitat management, species monitoring and infrastructure upkeep, while working closely with staff and volunteers to balance high-quality nature conservation with an excellent visitor experience.
Salary: £27,123 – £28,956 per annum
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Location: Leighton Moss, Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape
Closing date: Sunday 15 February 2026 11:59pm
Find out more about this role and apply
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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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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
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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
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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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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
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]


