Information and advice for the third sector across Lancaster District – 26 Jan 22

COVID Resilience Survey 2022
For many of us in the voluntary sector, the last two years have been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We have needed to cease or change our usual activities, find new ways of working, and respond to new challenges.

Tackling the impact of the pandemic on the sector and our communities has been and continue to be a key pillar of our work. Gathering and analysing information has enabled us to develop an accurate understanding of the local situation, which has been vitally important when it comes to influencing public policy and communicating the sector’s and our communities’ needs.

Today we are launching the third in our series of COVID-19 Resilience surveys. I would like to invite all voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise leaders to answer it on behalf of their organisation. It should take no more than 30 minutes to complete, and the survey is available until Friday 4 February at 5pm.

Click here to access the survey

View the 2020 report
View the 2021 report

This year’s survey focuses specifically on your organisation’s experience during 2021, how this was different from 2020, and what you expect from 2022. While this year shows potential for recovery it’s clear that things won’t be straightforward, and we’ll be planning our response informed by the issues you identify. Every response to the survey will shape those plans and ensure that your needs are recognised.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this survey, we look forward to discussing the final report in more detail. If you have any questions or if you wish to discuss any aspect of this survey, please email [email protected]

The Eric Wright Charitable Trust is awarding £500 to community groups
We are pleased to announce that The Eric Wright Charitable Trust’s fund administered by Lancaster District CVS is now open for 2022 applications. Applying is easy and we would like to encourage all small organised groups around the Lancaster District to apply.

The Trust awards grants to organisations providing activities that can make a positive difference to the lives & wellbeing of all age groups. The application must be made on behalf of an organisation, not by an individual, and receiving organisations do not need to be registered charities but the activity for which they seek a grant must be charitable, which includes social activities.

Available grant per application: £500
Application deadline: Friday 11th February 2022.

Click here for guidelines and to start your application.

If you have any queries about the fund, or about how to apply, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or by ringing CVS on 01524 555900

Save the date:
Lancaster District CVS Funding Fair – Wednesday 9th March 2022
We are currently in the process of organising an exciting Funding Fair for our members. This is the first of many events we will be running this year and more details will be available soon but in the meantime, please save the date in your calendar.

As an attendee, you will have the opportunity to attend booked appointment slots with various national, regional and local funders to discuss your project ideas and get tips on how to submit successful funding applications. There will be speakers and a number of information stalls to help your organisation with its needs. We look forward to sharing more details with you soon.

Tackling respiratory illness this winter across the Lancaster District
Lancaster District CVS has partnered with Spring North and NHS England to support Lancaster communities in the fight against respiratory illness this winter. To help us achieve this, we are recruiting and training a team of volunteer Community Champions who will work with our communities to ensure that appropriate, up-to-date information on bronchiolitis is available, including what it is, how to spot it, and what to do if you are worried about your child.

This is a time-limited project that will run until the end of March and your help and support will make a valuable difference to children and their families. This opportunity is open to volunteers as well as paid staff. Full training and support will be provided. 

Read more about this on our website

Call for participation: women in leadership roles in small charities and voluntary organisations
The Growing Club CIC, in partnership with Lancaster District CVS has received funding from the COVID Urgent Response Fund to provide support for 8 to 10 women leaders running small not-for-profit organisations.

The sessions will be run as small group work, in a fun and supportive environment, to identify how we can support ourselves and each other during challenging times.

If you would be interested in attending please contact [email protected] by Tuesday 4th February 2022.

Become a member today, it’s FREE!
Members of Lancaster District CVS receive benefits including

• This email bulletin
• Organisation development support
• Funding and governance advice
• Access to funding opportunities
• Volunteering support
• Financial services such as payroll and examination of accounts
• Access to events
• Training and development for staff and volunteers
• Opportunities to meet other organisations and share ideas
• A say in our work through consultations and the AGM

Click here to begin the process – it only takes a couple of minutes.

Email [email protected] if you have any questions.

Local Member Grants from Lancashire County Council
The local member grants scheme helps county councillors to support the work of local charities and volunteer groups. Grants can be used to fund projects that will directly benefit the community, from gardening workshops to football activities to help young people stay active. Groups can apply to their local county councillor, who will decide which applications are accepted and award grants from their own budget.

Grants of £500 will be awarded between January and March 2022.

From April 2022, the annual Local Member Grant budget for each county councillor will be £2,000 for each financial year. The minimum amount that can be awarded is £100. The maximum grant will be determined by each county councillor but will not exceed the amount they have available from their annual local member grant budget for the year.

Click here for more information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

DCMS Youth Investment Fund
The aim of the Youth Investment Fund (YIF) is to create, expand and improve local youth facilities and services, in order to drive positive outcomes for young people, including improved health and wellbeing, and skills for work/employability and life. BBC Children in Need was selected to distribute phase 1 of this funding on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

Phase 1 comprises £10m for youth provision in left-behind areas of England and is funding for small-scale capital projects, including capital equipment, small redevelopments and other capital projects that can be delivered within the 21/22 financial year (by 31 March 2022).

Applicants can apply for grants of a minimum of £5,000 (The fund will award grants between £5,000 and £50,000 – larger applications that can be spent by 31st March 2022 will be considered). This fund does not have a fixed application window, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis as they are received. Applications can be submitted from 31 January 2022.

Check your eligibility here.

Recovery Loan Fund for UK charities and social enterprises
The Recovery Loan Fund provides loans to UK charities and social enterprises who have been impacted by COVID-19 and need funds to help them to survive, recover and grow. It has been established by Social Investment Business (SIB) to make an existing Government guarantee scheme, the Recovery Loan Scheme more easily accessible to charities and social enterprises.

The Fund will lend to UK based organisations that are improving people’s lives, or the environment they live in. All funding purposes will be considered including refinancing of existing debt onto more patient terms.

Organisations must be UK based and have a minimum turnover of £400,000 in its last financial year (or £200k if the organisation is BAME-led). Eligible organisations can apply for loans of £100,000 to £1.5 million (BAME-led organisations will be able to apply for loans upwards of £50,000).

Application deadline: 20th May 2022

Click here for more information on the eligibility criteria, loan terms and how to apply.

Let’s Create – Queen’s Jubilee Fund
The Let’s Create Jubilee Fund will support charity and volunteer groups to develop creative and cultural activities as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June 2022. The fund has been created by Arts Council England (ACE) with funds from the National Lottery. Applicants can apply for grants from £750 to £10,000.

Application deadline: 28th February 2022.
Click here to read the guidelines and to apply.

The Screwfix Foundation
The Screwfix Foundation charity raises funds throughout the year to support causes that will change people’s lives. The Foundation works with both national and local charities, donating funds to help a variety of projects, from repairing buildings and improving facilities in deprived areas, to decorating the homes of people living with sickness and disabilities.

The Screwfix Foundation currently offers local registered charities and not for profit organisations funding of up to £5,000. All applications are reviewed individually quarterly, the review dates are in March, June, September and December.

Find out how to apply for funding here.

Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Activity Fund – Sports England
Sports England recently launched a new £5 million fund (from the National Lottery) to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee that aims to use sport and physical activity to bring communities together and tackle inequalities.

The fund will make awards of between £300 and £10,000 to community organisations in support of new projects providing opportunities to become more physically active including, facility hire and coaching costs, or small capital improvements.

The grant aims to support projects working with people located in areas of high deprivation (specifically people living in areas defined by Indices of Multiple Deprivation 1-3).

Find out more about the fund and apply here

Lancashire Community Food Grant
Another round of the Lancashire Community Food Grant Scheme is open for applications. The Community Food Grant Scheme is a small grants programme for community groups within Lancashire.

The scheme is aimed at local organisations within the voluntary, community and faith sector that deliver projects to tackle food insecurity. There’s funding in the region of £20,000 available and groups can apply for up to £1,000.

Application deadline: 20th February 2022.

Visit here for more information and to start an application. If you have any questions about the grant scheme, please contact, [email protected]

Lloyds Bank Foundation
Lloyds Bank Foundation provides funding for small and local charities across England and Wales with an annual income of £25,000 to £1 million and a proven track record of helping people on a journey of positive change through in-depth, holistic and person-centred support. The funding is unrestricted and applications are open all-year round.

Check your eligibility and start your application here.

Francis C Scott Charitable Trust – new opportunities
The Francis C Scott Charitable Trust is developing new ways of working in response to time spent listening to their grantees.

One of the Trust’s core beliefs is that organisations delivering directly to children, young people and their families are the experts in their field. The Trust has heard that one of the biggest concerns right now is not necessarily about funding, but about how staff and volunteer teams meet the strains and challenges of the pandemic, and recovering from it.

In response, FCSCT are highlighting the following opportunities, in addition to their existing grants programme. For further information or to provide feedback, contact their team on 01539 742608 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Step Change – for wellbeing and resilience
Eligible organisations (see criteria here) can apply for up to £4,000 as part of the existing Step Change programme.

Organisations should determine their own solutions, which may include but are not limited to – team and/or board development events, coaching or mentoring for key staff, structured well-being programmes for staff and volunteers. Successful applications so far have included a yoga programme for staff and volunteers, stand up desks and 1:1 coaching.

For guidance and advice about what other solutions would be considered and to direct you to local facilitators who may be able to provide support, please get in touch with the FCSCT team.

Step Change – organisational development workshops
A six-week free-to-access programme of working focused on various aspects of running a charity or social enterprise. Sessions are three hours in duration with content delivered from expert local partners as well as facilitated peer support.

Suggestions for topics are below. Please let FCSCT know if they are of interest or if you have other suggestions and feedback. Full details will be announced in the new year.

• Time and energy management
• Strategy and action planning
• Working with volunteer Trustees/Directors
• Fundraising
• Coaching skills for managers/leaders
• Marketing
• Income generation
• Applying for grant funding – identifying and approaching relevant and appropriate funders
• Managing overwhelm
• Managing volunteers

Top-up to existing FCSCT grants
Organisations in receipt of FCSCT grants awarded prior to 2021 may apply for additional funds to top these grants up if Covid has materially increased the need for the funded provision.

Social Investment
Traditionally, repayable finance has not been a major funding activity within the sector, but options are increasing, and becoming more affordable all the time.

This year FCSCT ventured into the world of social investment and are about to complete their first social loan. The Trust is taking a partnership-based approach, balancing financial returns with social returns that contribute towards their overall mission.

If your organisation is working on plans to expand, make a significant purchase, or other activity that social investment may be able to support, please contact Helen directly using the details above.

Eligible projects will need to have a business plan showing how repayments can be made, and demonstrating how the project, programme or purchase will advance our mutual charitable objectives.

Household Support Fund from Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
The DWP has given local councils funding to support people who are experiencing financial hardship this winter. The household support fund aims to help with short-term living costs such as food, help with gas and electricity, and water bills as well as help with other essential items and household appliances.

Applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis and awards are at the discretion of the council.

To be eligible to apply for help from the scheme, applicants must be aged 16 years and over, live in the Lancaster district and be able to demonstrate that they are struggling to afford such necessities or to pay their bills this winter.

For more information and to apply online, click here

Lancaster District Street Aid – helping people stay off the streets
The Lancaster Street Aid initiative helps people who are, or have been, on the streets to apply for a grant to help them get off, and stay off, the streets.

Types of support that can be applied for via the scheme include access to housing, furniture and other home essentials, education/training courses, clothing for job interviews, transport to interview/place of work, and help with searching for a job.

Any VCFSE organisation or public body can apply on behalf of a homeless or vulnerably housed person they work with. Maximum application value of £750. Applications are reviewed as submitted. If you would like to apply, click here for more information.

Lancaster District Volunteer Centre
You can reach hundreds of potential volunteers by advertising online, using our new online volunteer management system. But we don’t just use this – we are in touch with potential volunteers daily and we would love to let them know about your opportunities through our social media, this bulletin, and a bi-weekly column in the Lancaster Guardian.

If you would like to find new volunteers then contact Mark, our Volunteer Centre manager, to discuss your requirements – from recruitment and promotion of roles to finding and arranging training, or indeed anything else related to volunteer engagement.

Get in touch with Mark by email at [email protected] or telephone 01524 555900.

Latest Volunteer Opportunities

Retail & Digital Sales Volunteers at Barnado’s
Barnardo’s is looking for a retail volunteer and digital sales volunteers in their Lancaster and Morecambe stores.

Position: Retail Volunteer (Lancaster, Penny Street)
This volunteer will join the amazing team of vibrant & diverse volunteers that run over 700 Barnado’s shops. As a retail volunteer, your tasks will include preparing, sorting and pricing stock, creating stylish window displays, replenishing the stock on the shop floor and other administrative tasks.

Position: Digital Sales Volunteers (Lancaster Penny Street)
Do you have a keen eye for hidden gems? Digital sales volunteers find items that are suitable for sale on ecommerce websites like eBay and Etsy and organise them for pick up.

Find out more about these two new roles here.

Trustees at n-compass
n-compass are seeking professionals to support the Board at a time of exciting change and challenge. People who are willing to accept ultimate responsibility for directing our affairs and can demonstrate a combination of intellect, communication and listening skills.

For more information please see the below:

n-compass Annual Plan 2021-22
n-compass Impact Report 2020-21
n-compass Annual Report & Accounts 2020-2021
Trustee Recruitment Pack

For an informal discussion please contact Cathy Scivier, the Chair or Teresa Jennings, Chief Executive Officer at [email protected]

Volunteering Opportunity: Respiratory Infections Community Champions (RICC)
An exciting volunteering opportunity is available at Lancaster District CVS (in collaboration with Spring North and NHS England) to support communities over winter with information and advice on respiratory illness, particularly in children.

As a trained Community Champion, you will act individually and as part of a team to ensure that up-to-date and appropriate information about bronchiolitis is available as widely as possible, speaking directly to those most at-risk families with young children.

This is an opportunity that would suit students studying health and social care, or other wellbeing courses, and will be an excellent chance to put into practice some of the key skills that you will need in the future, such as communicating with a variety of people in different settings and circumstances.

Please visit the LDCVS volunteering website to find out more about the role and apply.

Lancaster Canal Trust needs a Secretary and an Independent Examiner of Accounts
Position: Secretary
The Lancaster Canal Trust is looking for a new secretary to help to achieve its aims of stimulating and retaining public interest in the navigable and unnavigable sections of the Lancaster Canal including the Millennium Ribble Link and the Preston City Link as essential environmental features of Lancashire & Cumbria. The Trust carries out activities such as arranging physical works of repair and restoration, meetings, lectures, cruises and other similar events. No qualifications are required but computer use is essential.

The position is voluntary and takes a few hours a week. If you are interested, email [email protected] or [email protected]

Position: Independent Examiner of Accounts
Lancaster Canal Trust is also seeking a volunteer external examiner. The examiner does not need not be a Qualified Accountant or Chartered Secretary but would need to have the ability and practical experience to carry out a competent examination of accounts.

Interested in this volunteer role? Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) need Group Leaders and Group Helpers
Position: Group Leaders
RSPB is looking for a volunteer with good organisational skills to help coordinate the activities of the RSPB Lancaster group. The ideal candidate doesn’t need to be a bird expert but should want to help spread the word about nature in the local community.

Interested in this volunteer role? Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.

Position: Group Helper
RSPB is recruiting volunteers with an interest in nature who can help arrange events, wildlife walks and conservation activities to promote the RSPB’s work. If you would like to spread the word about wildlife in your local community, please get in touch – you don’t have to be an expert.

Interested in this volunteer role? Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.

Could you be a LESS Director?
Would you like to support community-led climate action work in North Lancashire? Are you up for a challenge? LESS is seeking two strategic thinkers to join its board of directors from February 2022 onwards.

Visit here for more details and to register your interest.
Application closing date: 31st January 2022.

There are many other exciting volunteer roles on the LDCVS volunteering website. Click here to search.

Morecambe Inter-Agency Forum (MIG)
MIG is an informal gathering of representatives (paid and unpaid) from voluntary and statutory organisations who deliver services to the community. It provides an informal network open to all organisations and agencies working in the community sector, and it is a great forum for information sharing and offers an opportunity to develop joint initiatives.

MIG sessions are normally held every two months at different locations in Morecambe but for the time being, this is being held online.

The next meeting will take place on Thursday 27th January, 1.30 – 3.00 pm. Please email [email protected] for more information or to be added to the mailing list.

Children Young People Multi-Agency Forum
The CYPMAF provides a valuable opportunity for people working with children and young people in the district to share information ideas and keep in touch with other organisations.

This forum is open to anyone working with children, young people and families. The next meeting is taking place on Wednesday 9^th February, 9.30 am – 11 am online.

If you wish to attend or be added to the mailing list, please email [email protected]

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending

‘What’s On’ guide for Children and Family Wellbeing Services – Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council wellbeing services provide targeted services for children and young people aged 0-19yrs+ living in Lancashire. The county council work with key partners to bring these services to local areas.

The ‘What’s On’ guide aims to keep families up to date about support services and groups that are available at the nearest centre in the local community.

Click here to view the summary activities and here to read the complete activity and service guide.

Free Yoga Sessions for 11 to18-year-olds by Escape2Make
Escape2Make is organising free yoga sessions for 11 to 18-year-olds in Lancaster.

Location: The Storey, Lancaster.
Day of the week: Every other Monday evening (from the 24th January 2022)
Time: Varies per age group (4 pm – 5 pm for 11 to 14-year-olds) and (5.15 pm – 6.15 pm for 15 to 18-year-olds)

Click here to sign up.

Recommend community projects for the Prince’s Trust 12-week programme
As part of the Prince’s Trust 12-week programme, the Prince’s Trust team and programme participants support community projects.

Previously the team carried out projects such as painting the Lancaster District Homeless Association shelter, working with schools to make a pathed area/garden, and painting the youth shelter in Morecambe. For this next programme, the team is looking for projects such as:

• an indoor project (due to February weather potential)
• painting/maintenance of a covered area
• supporting a local Scout/Guide group

The group will be doing some fundraising/donation requests so will be able to provide some resources for the project. The team will also contact the local press to publicise the projects.

Project timeline: Between 14th to 25th February 2022 (project doesn’t have to cover the full 2 weeks of the programme).

Email [email protected] or phone 07799114688 to suggest community projects or find out more.

Contextual Safeguarding-Addressing Extremism, Exploitation and Youth Violence by Lancashire Prevent Team
This is an interactive training online session for professionals with expert facilitators aimed to up-skill staff in contextual and complex safeguarding to address extremism, violence and exploitation.

The free training will provide staff with an overview of the Contextual Safeguarding (CS) model to extremism, exploitation and youth violence, including an update on extremism & serious youth violence in their local area, and provide tools to implement contextual safeguarding principles.

Available dates: January (20th and 28th) & February (10th and 28th) 2022
Time: Varies per session

Register here

If you would like any further information then please contact Katy, [email protected]

Kooth Young Men’s Mental Health Workshop
Kooth young men’s mental health workshop is still available for all education settings, youth and professional services to access on a bespoke basis. The interactive workshop will address the barriers and stigma facing young men speaking about their mental health, along with signposting information about the Kooth service.

Register by contacting your local Engagement Lead [email protected]

New Mid-Week Hangout for young people at More Music
If you know of a young person who is struggling with social isolation or anxiety, accessing mental health support or on a waiting list for services, they could benefit from the range of sessions More Music offer. Having a safe and supported space for socializing, creativity and self-expression are of the utmost importance for young people’s personal, social and emotional development.

Weekly activities: Music, chatting, learning about the music industry & more.
Day of the week: Wednesdays from 4 to 7 pm
Location: 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, Lancashire. LA3 1QT.

Email [email protected] or [email protected] to sign up.

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending

Celebrate Recovery (12 step Programme)
This session provides weekly support for anyone struggling with any of life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits (not just addiction). Participants can find help with bereavement, divorce, low self-esteem, anxiety – the list of issues is varied.

Date: Tuesday evenings or Wednesday mornings (weekly throughout the year
Time: 10 am (term time)

Email [email protected] or call 07449373979 to sign up.

Social Group – Coffee Time
The Coffee Time group runs weekly during term time at Hope Church, Queen Street, Lancaster. This term’s activities include craft groups, a book club, a monthly trip out, and Cook-along sessions.

Date: Every Tuesday (Weekly)
Time: 10am

Email [email protected] or call 07449373979 to sign up.

Webinar: The Voluntary Contribution of Women over 50
Women over 50 are often enthusiastic and committed volunteers offering hours of service and skills to a variety of organisations. However, the value brought to these roles by women is significantly undervalued.

MICRA (Manchester Institute for Collaborative Research on Aging) is organising a webinar to discuss several key themes:

• the extent and scope of voluntary and informal work in the lives of women over 50 in Manchester
• the underlying inequalities in voluntary and informal work and the structural challenges which lead to these inequalities.
• the role of the law in supporting these inequalities.

Date: 3rd February 2022
Time: 11 am to 12 pm
Location: online

Register here

Chinese New Year Festival in Lancaster
The Chinese New Year festival will start in the middle of January. This year’s festival will be celebrating the Year of the Tiger and here in Lancaster will feature activities such as a variety show and carnival. There will also be discounts, special offers and Chinese decorations across the city – view activity calendar here.

Over the main festival weekend, a New Year celebration show will take place on 5 February at the Grand Theatre featuring top-class performances of kung fu, shadow puppetry, and traditional Chinese music and dance.

Date: 5th February 2022
Time: 12 pm
Ticket prices: Adults (£10), students (£8), children (£5).

Click here to book your tickets or phone 01524 64695.

Invitation to Living well with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – Virtual event
The Lancashire MS Society groups are hosting an online Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis information event.

This is a free event exploring topics such as managing fatigue, finance and the benefits of both nutrition and exercise. There will also be the opportunity to meet with local MS groups and find out what services and support they offer. Groups attending include:

• Blackburn with Hyndburn and Darwen Group
• Blackpool Fylde and Wyre Group
• Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Group
• Chorley and Leyland Group
• Lancaster and Morecambe Group
• Preston Group
• West Lancashire Group

Date: 12th February 2022
Time: 10.30 to 2.45pm
This is an online event (Zoom)

Register here to book a space or telephone 020 8438 0753

Family Learning Awards – Campaign for Learning
The Family Learning awards celebrate imaginative, innovative, and inclusive, learning opportunities. The awards are a chance to showcase work delivered last year. The three award categories for 2022 are:

• Award for Family Learning in the Early Years
• Award for Building Brighter Futures through Learning
• Award for Family Learning to Support Health and Wellbeing

The awards are free to enter.

Applications closing date: 7th February 2022.
Winners announcement month: April 2022.

Click here to find out more or to start your application.

Invitation to apply: The Bay Health Festivals (July 2022)
The Bay Health Festivals (formally known as Lancaster Health Festival) is seeking participants, facilitators and stall-holders. There are three themes across the festival this year:

• Young People day
• Physical Health and Healthy Food day
• Relax and Mindfulness day

Date: 7th to 10th of July 2022.

Click here for more information.

How co-ops can empower communities webinar (FREE)
This is an opportunity for groups across the Lancaster district and beyond to discover the power of co-ops to strengthen communities.

The one‑hour session will be introduced by Daniel Clarke, Community Wealth Building Officer at Lancaster City Council, and delivered by Co‑operatives UK’s Petra Morris, who’ll explain:

• How local people can form co‑ops to create solutions that meet their needs, and enrich and revitalise their neighbourhoods.
• The important role co‑operatives can play in strengthening communities, creating wealth locally and enabling people to have greater control over what happens in their area.
• The benefits of the co‑op model for empowering people at grassroots level.
• How communities can come together to take control of local assets.

Date: 3rd February 2022
Time: 1 pm to 2 pm
Location: Online

Click here to book a space

New group for blind and visually impaired people in Lancaster
A new peer-led support group for blind and visually impaired people has been created by the Marsh Community Centre. There will be lots of biscuits as well as opportunities to chat and share ideas, advice and experiences.

Date: Every Monday
Time: 11 am – 12.30 pm
Location: Marsh Community Centre, Willow Lane, Lancaster

For more information email [email protected] or call 07868314807

Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission – Join the conversation
Have you had enough of not being heard? Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission is inviting people who have experienced poverty to join this conversation.

These sessions will involve meeting local people in positions of power to tell your stories, challenge the stigma, change the understanding of poverty, make practical changes for the better, and help to find solutions.

Breakfast in Morecambe: every other Wednesday 9 am to 11 am.

Lunch in Lancaster: once a month 10 am to 12 pm.
Chippy tea in Lancaster: once a month, 6 pm to 8 pm.

Zoom sessions are also held once a month.

Call 07766933884 or email [email protected] for more information.

Arrangements for in-person events may change – check with the organiser before attending.

Fully funded Business Excellence workshops by Lancaster University Management School
There are three exciting fully funded programmes for businesses that fall under the criteria listed below.

• based in Lancashire or Cumbria
• employ between 2 and 250 full-time equivalent employees (FTE)
• annual turnover of less than €50 million (or the equivalent in GBP)
• received less than €200,000 of de minimis State Aid in the last 3 years

These workshops are available to only one person per business – please pick only one workshop to attend.

Workshop 1 – Ideas Into Action
This workshop aims to help participants to understand the innovation process, from idea to commercialisation. Participants will learn to use evidence-based ideation techniques and tools to build, develop and test ideas quickly with minimal risks, and implement them via the use of an innovation roadmap.

Dates: 3rd, 15th & 30th March 2022.
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: Online using Zoom

Click here to find out more.

Workshop 2 – Lean for 2022
Participants at this workshop will learn how to manage a sustainable and profitable business, the benefits of good organisational culture, ethics and communication, and how to effectively implement this into their business strategy.

Dates: February (8th & 22nd ) and March (8th) 2022.
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: Online using Zoom

Click here to find out more.

Workshop 3 – Pricing with purpose
Participants will learn about the history of pricing and the most effective pricing strategies, the barriers of implementing pricing changes, how to drive profitability and accountability, the psychology of pricing and how to effectively communicate, market and implement pricing strategies.

Dates: January (27th), February (10th & 17th) 2022
Time: 9am to 1pm
Location: Online using Zoom

Click here to find out more.

If you are interested in any of these three workshops or would like more information, please complete the registration form.

Please note that workshop details may be subject to change during the programme.

‘Living Life to the Full’ course
Living Life to the Full course helps people who are struggling with their mental health or feeling isolated to deal with everyday life challenges and learn a range of life skills using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) principles. This is a 6-week course which runs each term – usually February, May and October.

Next course start date: 11th February 2022
Time: 10.00am

Email [email protected] or call 07449373979 for more information.

Budgeting & Money Management Course
CAP Money is running a free course in partnership with Lancaster & Morecambe Debt Centre to help you manage your money better, and learn to budget and save. This course is free and is available for anyone who is seeking to manage their money, including those who have been furloughed or made unemployed.

Date: 31st January 2022
Time: 10.45 am to 1 pm
Location: Stanley Road Baptist Church, Stanley Road, Morecambe, LA3 1UP (soup lunch included).

To register your interest please email [email protected]

Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace (Level 2)
Around 450 million people currently experience mental health problems. Recent reports suggest that over 12 million working days were lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety in just one year. It’s important that employers are transparent and open about mental health issues. Increasing the understanding of mental health among staff at all levels builds a culture of care and support.

Participants on this course will learn about mental health issues, understand how to support individuals with mental ill-health and what a mentally healthy environment looks like.

Duration: 7 weeks
Course delivery: online

Learners may be eligible for funding (subject to eligibility). There is a £125 cancellation fee if a learner enrols and fails to complete or withdraws early from the course.

Click here for more information and to enrol, or phone 01388 741 336. This course is organised by the Learning Curve Group.

Greater access to employment support in Lancashire
The Building Better Opportunities (BBO) programme provides one-to-one support to help people gain confidence and overcome barriers to employment, education and training. Invest in Youth keyworkers assist young people age 15-24; Age of Opportunity keyworkers assist people age 50+.

These projects are delivered by the Places Impact Team at Places for People. The BBO programme is offered free of charge and does not affect benefits. It is funded through the National Lottery Community Fund and the European Social Fund.

For further information, or if you know of anyone in Lancashire who could benefit from this programme, please contact [email protected]

Engaging with diverse communities workshop series
Campaign for Learning’s new workshop series focuses on community groups you may not be familiar working with or that may not be accessing your services.

This workshop series will equip you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to open your learning offer to a wider community including bilingual and refugee families, fathers and male carers, Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Dates: 8th and 10th February and 10th March 2022.
Time: Varies per session.

Visit here to book a space (Earlybird rates available until 14 January 2022).

Morecambe Bay Health Coaching Sessions for 2022
New dates for the 2022 Morecambe Bay Health Coaching course are now available. The course aims to equip staff to have better conversations and support people to reach their self-identified goals.

The course is highly interactive and participatory and therefore it is important that all participants have access to a camera and microphone for the duration of each session.

Date: Monthly (from January to August 2022)
Time: Varies per session

Please note that this course is made up of two sessions (3.5hours per session) and requires full attendance on both of the identified days.

Location: Online (Microsoft Teams)

For more information, the booking form and full 2022 schedule, email [email protected]

CBT Therapist at ACE
Achieve Change and Engagement (A.C.E.) is looking for a part-time CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) therapist to join their team in supporting young people to improve their emotional health and wellbeing and build resilience.

The post holder will work with young people who are experiencing symptoms known to respond well to CBT – using a person-centred and goal setting approach to help them reduce and manage symptoms that are negatively affecting their lives. The successful candidate will work beyond the scope of the current early intervention, prevention practitioners. He/she will work alongside the trauma workers, responding to more complex cases.

Salary range: £25,665 (Trainee) to £31,886 (qualified) (Pro-rata)
Hours of work: 11. 25 to 15 hours per week (depending on pay)
Type of contract: Part-time
Location: across Lancaster District including Morecambe and Rural areas
Closing date: 4th February 2022

For more information, download the Person Specification and the Job Description.

Trainer and Assessor at Community CVS
Community CVS in Blackburn are recruiting for an accredited Trainer and Assessor to help the team to deliver a new and exciting project to upskill individuals and future-proof organisations across Lancashire.

Applicants should hold an assessor qualification (A1 D32/33 or similar) and have experience delivering accredited training, with an understanding of coaching and mentoring techniques. The project runs until December 2023.

Salary range: £33,782 per annum
Type of contract: Full time, fixed-term
Flexible working hours

Click here to find out more and apply

New job opportunities at n-compass
n-compass are recruiting for a Senior Counsellor and to casual worker positions.

Senior Counsellor
In addition to providing therapeutic counselling to children and young people, the post holder will line manage, coach, and support a team of counsellors operating across Preston, Chorley, South Ribble, Fylde, and Wyre ensuring adherence to service KPI’s, professional codes of conduct, accreditation standards and evidenced based practice.

Hours: 37 per week (term time only)
Salary: £23,306 per annum
Closing date: 28 Jan 22
Interviews: 11 Feb 22

For more information, download the Recruitment Pack and the Application Form

Casual worker positions
As a busy organisation n-compass are always seeking to recruit people who are interested in obtaining casual work within one of their many services, including Advocacy, Carers, Counselling, Wellbeing and Service Access.

Use the Expression of Interest form to get in touch

Youth Support Worker in Lancaster and Morecambe
Lancashire County Council is recruiting for a Youth Support Worker in Lancaster and Morecambe as part of the wider Targeted Youth Support Team. The post holder will be responsible for a series of local youth delivery sessions or projects, and/ or will carry district-wide responsibility for an area of the curriculum of service development e.g. targeted work with SEND (special educational needs and disability) young people.

Salary range: £23,178 to £26,437 Per annum
Hours of work: 29.6 hours per week
Type of contract: Permanent
Closing date: 30th January 2022

Click here for more information.

Youth Support Worker in Preston
Lancashire County Council is also recruiting for a Youth Support Worker in Preston to deliver the Lancashire County Councils Participation agenda by delivering sessions, supporting young people to deliver interviews, attending meetings and inspecting provisions.

Salary range: £23,178 to £26,437 Per annum
Hours of work: 29.6 hours per week
Type of contract: Permanent
Closing date: 30th January 2022

Click here for more information

New job opportunities at Lancaster Arts
Lancaster Arts are recruiting for an Associate Creative Producer and Assistant Curator.

Associate Creative Producer
The Associate Creative Producer will join the programming team and support the development and delivery of commissions, working closely with the Creative Producer and Curator. The role is at the centre of engagement which runs throughout the programme, from developing workshops to engagement with university colleagues and working closely with artists and a diverse range of participants.

Salary: £22,847 to £26,341 pro-rata
Closing Date: 6th February 2022
Interview Date: 17th February 2022
Reference: N2830

Click here for more information.

Assistant Curator at Lancaster Arts
The Assistant Curator will support the Curator to maintain a high standard of upkeep of the university’s art collection and enable the day-to-day running of the Peter Scott Gallery, working closely with artists, volunteers and colleagues at the university and partners in Lancaster and beyond. The ideal candidate will be diligent with strong interpersonal and practical ‘can do’ skills

Salary: £20,092 to £22,254 pro-rata
Closing Date: 30th January 2022
Interview Date: 9th February 2022
Reference: N2829

Click here for more information.

Closing Loops Project Coordinator at LESS and FoodFutures
LESS and FoodFutures are seeking a project coordinator to coordinate and oversee the delivery of the Closing Loops Project: stimulating a regenerative food economy in North Lancashire.

This role will work closely with the FoodFutures partnership to take forward elements of this
community food strategy as part of the Closing Loops project – a 5 year project funded by the
National Lottery Climate Action Fund.

Hours of work: 30 hours per week
Type of contract: 5-year fixed term
Salary: £17,160
Closing date: 31st January 2022
Interview date: 14th February 2022

Click here for more information about this role.

Speciality Doctor at Change Grow Live (CGL)
CGL is looking to recruit a Specialty Doctor for the substance misuse treatment service in North Lancashire. The post holder will work under the Consultant Psychiatrist for the service and have the responsibility to work with a multi-disciplinary team to provide holistic care for the clients of both services.

Salary range (pro-rata if part-time): £80,000
Type of contract: Permanent employee
Hours per week: 37.50

Click here to download an application pack and apply or email [email protected] to find out more.

Social Workers at Lancashire County Council
Lancashire County Council is recruiting new and experienced Social Workers within its Child Services department.

Starting salary range: £31,346 (with 2 years post-qualifying experience)

Click here to find out more about the vacancies or book a space to attend a virtual open day.

Mental Health Support Groups
Do you struggle with depression, anxiety or poor mental health? Are you feeling lonely or isolated? Or do you struggle with low self-esteem?

Adullam is providing a range of mental health support courses. Get in touch and book your place.

Dates:
28th January to 25th March 2022
6th May to 1st July 2022
Time:10.00 am

Get in touch to register – email [email protected] or call 07449 373979

Home Working guidance by Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
The HSE have some useful guidance about home working as many people are moving to a more hybrid working pattern. Click here to find out about health and safety responsibilities as an employer and employee.

Wellbeing Toolkit for Charities
This toolkit aims to help leaders break down the wellbeing challenges facing themselves and their teams and quickly find high-quality resources to inspire and assist them. The resources can be used individually or put together to form the basis of a full or half-day team wellbeing session.

Click here to download the toolkit.

Mental health crisis lines – here for you and your loved ones
If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with mental health, you can contact the mental health crisis lines for help. The helpline is staffed by trained mental health professionals who are able to provide assessment and referrals to appropriate services – ring it if you need to access services or for advice about someone who needs treatment/support.

Click here to find your nearest line.

Mental Health Resources at Work
Mental Health at Work has created a toolkit for small organisations. The toolkit empowers employees to look after themselves and gives leaders the tools to support them too.

This toolkit contains:

• a handbook filled with advice and tips for small business owners and the self-employed
• a free and confidential mobile app for employees
• two practical tools to help you to start implementing change straight away.

Click here to access the toolkit.

A public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems
Better together: A public health model for mentally healthier integrated care systems outlines how integrated care systems can adopt a public health model to use their budgets, powers and influence to support better mental health outcomes for all.

Involving all NHS bodies and local authorities in 42 areas covering the whole of England, integrated care systems have an increasingly important role to play in organising health and care and addressing the wider factors that influence people’s health.

Click here to read more and to find out how to join the conversation.

Changes to the youth sector COVID activity guidance from NYA
Following changes to government guidance, the National Youth Agency readiness level will move to green from the 27th January 2022.

Click here to download the full guidance.

The Road Ahead 2022 report from NCVO
This week, NCVO (The National Council for Voluntary Organisations) has launched the Road Ahead 2022 – its annual analysis of the biggest trends, opportunities and events that will impact charities and volunteering in the year ahead.

NCVO has identified some areas of stability as well as trends that go beyond the pandemic, to help leaders, trustees and communities make informed decisions about their futures. Some of the trends set out include: more political stability, a tighter squeeze on living costs, and a shifting role in climate change.

You can read an overview on the NVCO website and  find the full report here.

Changes to the Healthy Start scheme
The Healthy Start scheme helps those who are pregnant or have responsibility for at least one child under 4 years of age who are on a qualifying benefit and a low income in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Families entitled to Healthy Start can get help to buy plain, fresh, frozen, or tinned fruit and vegetables, plain cow’s milk, infant formula and fresh or tinned pulses.

The key changes to the scheme include:

• Paper application forms will be replaced with an online application process. Applicants can apply online at www.healthystart.nhs.uk
• Paper vouchers will be replaced with prepaid cards.
• Beneficiaries of the NHS Healthy Start scheme will be able to show their prepaid card as proof of entitlement to get free Healthy Start vitamins.
• The HS01A application leaflet will no longer be available. All new applicants should be signposted to the online application.
• A health professional signature is not required (was removed from legislation and the application form in April 2020).

Click here for more information.

Researching the needs of women in the district, post COVID-19 – survey
The Growing Club in partnership with a group of researchers at Lancaster University are inviting women leaders running small not-for-profit organisations to take part in a research study to understand what women need for social, emotional, and economic resilience post-lockdown.

Please complete the survey here by 4 February 2022.

Free Canva design tools for nonprofits
Canva for Nonprofits is jam-packed with tools that help organisations save time and look more professional. Discover easy ways to create high-impact social media graphics and marketing materials with the Canva design tool.

Are you a registered nonprofit? Visit here to find out your eligibility and to apply for a Canva nonprofit account.

The World Book Night book giveaway
The World Book Night giveaway provides books to organisations that can reach people who don’t regularly read for pleasure or have access to books. This includes libraries, prisons, hospitals, youth centres, charities and many more. Eligible organisations can apply here to receive a set of books to distribute in April 2022.

There are a limited number of books available so you are encouraged to think about how you can best reach people who don’t read or have access to books before applying. Applications are open until 28th January 2022.

Click here for more details.

If you have any questions about eligibility or applications, please contact, [email protected]

Safeguarding for charities and trustees
The Charity Commission has recently updated its guidance on safeguarding in voluntary sector organisations. Find out about your responsibilities to keep everyone who comes into contact with your charity safe from harm: this includes volunteers, staff and beneficiaries. 

Click here to read more.

Start-up Toolbox for New Non-profit
The Start-up Toolbox has important information which can help make your new non-profit a success. Find resources to help register your charity, register with HMRC and more. There is also a substantial selection of fundraising, governance, strategy and other guides.

Supporting people with learning difficulties with digital passports
University Hospital of Morecambe Bay (UHMBT) has launched digital passports to support patients who have learning difficulties. A hospital passport provides important information about patients care and communications needs, including personal details, the type of medication they are taking, and any pre-existing health conditions.

Free data for charities from Vodaphone
Vodafone has launched Charities Connected, an initiative allowing UK charities to apply for free data. The aim is to help individuals and families supported by charities, as well as enable organisations to improve their digital capacity. Each SIM is loaded with 20GB of data plus unlimited texts and minutes to be used over 6 months.

Click here to complete your application.

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:

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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