Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 4 May 22
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Lancaster Community Fund 2022/23
The Lancaster Community Fund has returned, alongside a Jubilee pop-up sub-fund! See the funding section for more information.
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Community Health Champions Fund
In partnership with Lancaster City Council, grants of between £500 and £10,000 are now available for projects which help create education opportunities within our community, to promote healthy behaviours.
See the funding section for more information.
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Lublin Refugee Appeal
The Lancaster district has close ties with the Polish city of Lublin, having been twinned since 1994. Lublin is situated just 70 miles from the Ukraine border and is one of the first places refugees travel to on arrival in Poland. As a result, Lublin has seen an enormous influx of refugees, and the Mayor of Lublin has reached out to the city’s friends for help as it struggles to support so many vulnerable people.
A result of calls from our community for a practical method of collective help to be organised, a fundraising page has been set up by Lancaster District CVS, which will see all donations sent to Lublin to help our twin city and the refugees that they are supporting.
To find out how to donate, visit our dedicated fundraising page.
Rookhow Retreat Away Funding for mental health groups
Rookhow, a 300 year old Quaker Meeting House with 16 bed bunkbarn, has been awarded funding to support residentials and therapeutic work with people with mental health problems.
They are welcoming applications from smaller local community groups supporting people in improving their mental health, especially from West Cumbria and Lancaster.
Funding pays for part (or all) of your accommodation costs (2 night minimum, mid-week or weekend) or day use of the meeting space and woodland. Staffing, transport, food and activities must be organised and paid for by the applicant.
To find out more, contact Sue Nicholls via email at [email protected]
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Power to Change Crowdfunding Match
Community Business Crowdmatch provides pound for pound matching for crowdfunding campaigns run by community businesses (including social enterprises, CICs and CIOs registered as companies).
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Trusthouse Charitable Foundation Small Grants
The Foundation awards single year grants of between £2,000 to £10,000 to small, well-established charitable organisations with an annual income under £250,000. Organisations must be based in an urban area in the bottom 15% most deprived, or a rural area in the bottom 50% most deprived, measured by Indices of Multiple Deprivation.
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Lancaster Community Fund & Jubilee Pop-up Fund
The Lancaster Community Fund provides grants of up to £1,000 for projects across three main priorities:
- increasing community involvement and building community wealth and resilience.
- contributing towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
- contributing to individual and community wellbeing
Deadlines for the 2022/23 year are 17 May 2022, 11 November 2022, and 10 February 2023.
Jubilee Pop-up Fund
A temporary pop-up has also been created from the main fund, enabling groups and organisations to apply for £50 or £100 towards activities and events celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Money could be spent on things such as:
- flags or memorabilia
- balloons
- bunting
- a celebration cake/cakes
- party packs for attendees
We’ve put a quick and simple application form together, with a deadline of Friday 6 May at 5pm.
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Community Health Champions Fund
Earlier this year, Lancaster City Council were successful in getting funding from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to address inequalities in health in the district.
As a result, Lancaster District CVS is working with Lancaster City Council to distribute grant funding to support our communities in talking about our health and wellbeing.
The fund aims to help create education opportunities to promote healthy behaviours, including COVID-19 vaccines, to reduce health inequalities.
Organisations can apply for grants between £500 and £10,000 to run projects and events supporting this aim.
Applications, which will be considered at monthly panel meetings, will be accepted until 5pm on 31 August.
Nature & Wellbeing Volunteers – The Bay
The Bay Programme is designed to help people to recover from the effects of Covid-19 and the resulting social isolation by providing opportunities to connect with nature and participate in environmental activity around Morecambe Bay.
The programme is looking friendly, reliable people with good interpersonal skills and empathy with those who are unemployed or experiencing poor mental health to help with the promotion, planning and delivery of Nature and Wellbeing sessions at Hub Sites in Morecambe and Lancaster.
Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.
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Volunteer Members – Independent Monitoring Boards
New volunteers are needed to join the Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) at 12 prisons in the North West of England, including Lancaster Farms. The IMB helps to ensure that proper standards of care and decency are maintained. The time commitment is approximately 2 to 3 visits per month. Expenses and training are provided.
Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.
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Trustees – Gregson Centre
The Gregson Community Association are seeking to appoint a number of new trustees including to the roles of Chair and Secretary.
Managing Fire Safety in Community Premises
Organisations which manage community buildings should be aware of the Fire Safety Order 2005 and the obligation it creates on their board or committee to appoint ‘competent persons’ who will undertake a fire risk assessment and carry out any preventative measures identified.
Any organisation which hasn’t yet carried out these activities can find help in this government booklet, which provides advice on the process of risk assessment and guidance around fire precautions.
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Respond, Recover, Reset: Two Years On
Nottingham Trent University have concluded a two-year project investigating how the charity sector has changed over the course of the pandemic.
Read the project’s final report here.
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Free digital advice for charities from Digital Candle
Digital Candle is a free service for charities who want a one hour call with a digital expert. Charities can get advice on any aspect of digital or digital marketing, from digital strategy to Google Ads and from remote service delivery to social media.
Find out more and pose your questions.
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Share your experiences of charity banking
Charity infrastructure bodies CFG, NCVO, ACRE and WCVA are collecting as much information as possible about the difficulties organisations have encountered in accessing and using banks.
Please consider contributing to their survey.
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Small Charities Coalition Helpdesk Update
Although the Small Charities Coalition has sadly closed, the SCC Helpdesk has found a new home with the Foundation for Social Improvement and NCVO, meaning the service can continue.
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New CEO at The Gregson Centre
Charles Tyrer has been appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Gregson Community Association, following the Association’s decision to take the running of the Gregson Centre back into their own hands.
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Team Kickabout
This programme is designed to help dads get out of the house, exercising and socialising through games of football suitable for all skill levels. Now active in Lancaster, games are available at ten local venues.
Find out more on the Team Kickabout website.
Rookhow Retreat are offering a funding opportunity for groups working on mental health projects. See the Funding section for full details.
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Mental Health Swims in Morecambe Bay
Every second Friday of the month, an organised Mental Health Swim (or dip) takes place in Morecambe Bay. Find out more about taking part here.
On Friday 13 May at 9.15am, staff from Bay and Lancaster ICC/PCN will be taking part in the Swim to raise awareness of the event and raise money for the Morecambe Bay Foodbank.
Monetary donations can be made via Justgiving, or items can be dropped off in reception areas at any Bay Medical Group Surgery. The Foodbank’s current list of requested items can be found here.
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With Faith in Mind Mental Health Workshop
A free one day workshop including tea, coffee and a picnic lunch for churches in Lancashire interested in the importance of improving mental health and wellbeing in the community and the opportunities for local churches and faith groups to work with partners in health and voluntary sectors.
26 May, Whalley Abbey BB7 9TN
Download flyer for more information.
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Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans
Lancashire County Council are developing Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans for each area of the county, enabling a long-term approach to developing walking and cycling networks.
Find out more and take part in an initial survey about local provision.
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Updated COVID-19 guidance for the charity sector
The Charity Commission have published an update to their pandemic-related guidance, to help staff, volunteers and trustees do their work legally, efficiently and effectively.
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Mental Health Support activities from Adullam – Summer Term
Adullam are offering a range of workshops, courses and activities over the coming months:
Purpose Workshop – 22 April 9.30am to 1pm – work alongside a professional life coach to discover your skills and talents.
Living Life to the Full Course – Fridays 10am to 12pm – using CBT principles to help people with their mental health.
Job Preparation Course – Wednesdays 1pm to 3pm – writing a CV and job application, interview techniques, and preparing for work.
Budgeting & Money Management Course – Mondays 11am to 1pm.
Social/Community Groups – Tuesdays 10am to 12pm – crafts, book club, monthly trips to local sites, cook-along sessions and more.
Woodlands Days – dates in April, May and June 10am to 2pm – visit a Woodland Project site and get involved in various activities.
Celebrate Recovery – Tuesdays 7.30pm to 9pm or Wednesdays 10am to 12pm – providing weekly support for those struggling with any of life’s hurts, hang-ups and habits (not just addiction).
To find out more about any of these activities, call Sarah or Kath on 07749 373979 or 07861 653978, email [email protected] or visit the Adullam website.
My Place at St Tees in partnership with Home for Good
My Place, a theatrical production by Riding Lights, highlights the experiences of children and young people in care and young refugees in need of a home.
The performance, taking place on 19 May at 7.30pm is suitable for young people aged eleven and older. 25% of ticket sales will go towards the work of the Family Life Centre at St Tees.
Download flyer to find out more or book online at ridinglights.org/my-place
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Hope Streets Young Producers
This initiative puts young people at the heart of decision making and creative thinking in heritage sites across Lancashire.
A free arts session, including a tour of Lancaster Castle, will be held at the Judges’ Lodgings on 21 May, 11am – 5pm.
Find out more and book tickets here.
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New Prince’s Trust TEAM starts Lancaster Fire Station 23rd May
Team is FREE for 16 – 25 year olds who are not currently in education or training. Young people who take part can gain new skills, qualifications and experiences to help them get that job or place at college that they’ve been dreaming about.
Call 07900 268708 or email [email protected] for more information or to make a referral.
Lancaster University Exchange 2022
The University’s Exchange for 2022 is a Big Conversation on working together to create inclusive growth in a flourishing place. Responding to participants at previous events, this year’s Exchange will build on these themes with a focus on employment, skills, and regeneration.
24 May, 5pm – 8pm, at The Platform, Morecambe
Find out more and book free tickets.
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Pint of Science
Lancaster University’s Faculty of Science & Technology will be sharing information about some of their latest research, as part of the nationwide Pint of Science festival (9 – 11 May). Events are taking place at Popworld, The Crafty Scholar, and The Storey.
Download the flyer to find out more, or book tickets at pintofscience.co.uk
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Craft Fair – Centre @ Halton
A craft fair and plant sale will be held at the Centre @ Halton on Saturday 21 May from 2pm until 5pm, raising funds for a new accessible toilet block.
Tables for sellers at the indoor craft fair are £15.
Entry to the craft fair is £1 for adults, children free. Entry to the plant sale is free to all.
For more information, call 01524 811316
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Restitch – The Social Fabric Summit
This event brings together leading politicians, community and faith leaders, leading thinkers, and ordinary citizens to generate ideas, momentum and conversations to renew society.
Session topics include creating strong towns, remote working, community businesses, building social fabric, accessibility and transport, and sustainable communities.
27 May, Halifax Piece Hall
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Key’s Big Sponsored Sleep Out
Key is challenging you to give up your bed for a sleeping bag for just one night, on Friday 13 May. Adults can come together at Lancashire Football Association to their very first sponsored Sleep Out, while families can host their own at home.
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Vision for Volunteering Online Launch (NCVO)
What should volunteering look like in 2032? What changes are needed to adapt to upcoming trends, challenges and opportunities? Explore that future with NCVO and the Vision for Volunteering.
10 May, 10am, online
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Have a go at sailing
Morecambe Sailing Club is offering free taster days on April 16, April 30 and May 28. All welcome, but pre-booking is essential via email to [email protected]
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Get Grants Fundraisers Networking
Join a Get Grants expert to hear updates on the current fundraising landscape and take part in discussions on new opportunities and challenges.
26 April, 1pm and 25 May 10am, both via Zoom
Measuring and reporting the impact of wellbeing
The Social Audit Network’s annual conference will this year focus on sharing learning and good practice around measuring, describing and reporting the wellbeing impact of social enterprise activity.
20 May, at The Women’s Organisation, Liverpool
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Free Training for Paid Staff
The Upskilling the Health and Social Care Workforce in Lancashire project is a fully-funded EU project offering paid staff the chance to gain an award in something that will benefit them in either their work, their general professional development, or both.
Upon registering your organisation will be supported by a dedicated training team to help your paid employees take part in training and gain an award. Awards can be accredited or non-accredited and the delivery is bespoke, tailored to your needs, from topic to timing and location.
To fin out more please contact Mark at [email protected]
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Mental Health in the Early Years Level 2
This seven-week, fully-funded online course will provide information on young children’s mental health development, the significance of attachment and adverse childgood experiences, and the role of the Early Years Practitioner.
Assistant Project Manager at The Olive Branch
The Assistant Project Manager will work alongside the Project Manager to run The Olive Branch, making sure the charity’s mission is achieved, taking responsibility for day-to-day activity on specified occasions.
Salary: £11,526 (pro rata from £23,052)
Contract: 20 hours per week fixed term for 6 months, with possibility of extension.
Location: Lancaster
Closing date: 16 May 2022
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 upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]
Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]
Membership queries: [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]
