Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 8 December 2022

Lancaster District Directory
Serving Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and surrounding areas

Our digital directory and social prescribing project has been an important and challenging piece of work in our 50th anniversary year. Over the last several months we have been working to collect information on services, specify and develop the public directory website, and ensure that we have the systems and processes in place to take electronic patient referrals from staff in GP surgeries.

We’re getting ready to share the results of these efforts and will shortly be launching the directory and accepting the first GP referrals. To begin, we’ve created a video which explains the purpose and benefits of the project, to help people out there in our communities understand how it can help. Please do take a look, circulate the link your colleagues, and use it to introduce the directory to your followers on social media.

If you’re one of the few voluntary and community sector organisations which hasn’t yet claimed your listing, it’s not too late. Take a look at lancastercvs.org.uk/directory to find out more, and contact Jenny by email at [email protected]

UK Youth Parliament grant open for applications – closing 18 December
DCMS has launched a grant competition to deliver the next iteration of the UK Youth Parliament, a programme which engages young people in a UK-wide democratic process, enabling them to express their voices and participate in the development of policy on issues that matters to them. £750,000 grant funding is available to deliver the programme for two years from April 2023 to March 2025. The grant is open to individual, and groups of, charitable, benevolent and philanthropic organisations in England.

Applications close on Sunday 18 December 2022 at 23:59.

To find out more information about applying for the grant, visit the UK Youth Parliament grant webpage.

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Social Enterprise Boost Fund launches on 30 November
The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) has launched a competition for the Social Enterprise Boost Fund. £4.1 million will provide support to social enterprises in disadvantaged areas, such as training, networking and peer learning, including £1.5million of grants for entrepreneurs to kickstart their enterprises. The Government sees how vital social enterprises are to the local community, and wants to ensure that any support is locally-led by social enterprise experts, sharing their knowledge with those entrepreneurs just starting out.

Find out more information on how to be a Local Delivery Partner for the Social Enterprise Boost Fund on the Government webpage.

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Crowdfund Lancashire – Online Project Creator Workshop
There is one week to go until the Spacehive workshop for potential Crowdfund Lancashire project creators. If you have an idea for a project that could improve the health, well-being or cultural experience of your community, sign up to the Projector Creator Workshop for a chance to receive funding for your project.  The workshop will run through how to set up your campaign and will offer guidance on the crowdfunding process from industry experts.

Attending the workshop, you place you one step closer to getting your project off the ground, and projects that meet the eligibility criteria could secure a pledge from the Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund of up to £20,000.

The workshop is free and online and takes place on Wednesday 14th December at 12pm.

Sign up to the workshop here

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Changes to National Churches Trust’s Grants from 2023
To better align with its incoming 2023-26 strategy, National Churches Trust has made some amendments to its funding programme and application system which are expected to simplify the process of applying.

As before, there are three distinct schemes, now offered as follows:

• Small grants (previously Foundation grants for maintenance) – up to £5,000 for projects costing up to £20,000. This funding is for small repair projects to buildings that were originally built as churches.
• Medium grants (previously Gateway grants) – up to £10,000 for projects costing between £20,000 and £80,000. This funding is for project development or urgent and essential maintenance and repair.
• Large grants (previously Cornerstone grants) – up to £50,000 toilet and kitchen projects costing more than £30,000 and repair projects costing more than £80,000. This funding is for large repair projects or the installation of kitchens and toilets.

The Trust accepts applications from Churches of any Christian denomination and age across the UK, Channel Islands and Isle of Man.

Grants programmes are expected to relaunch in March 2023.

More details on each of the individual funding streams can be found on the National Churches Trust website.

Changes to our grants in 2023 | National Churches Trust

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Lloyd’s Bank Foundation England and Wales Launches Unrestricted Grants
Small and local charities can now apply for unrestricted grants of up to £75,000, spread over three years, from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. It is the first funding opportunity from the Foundation since it launched its ‘Building a Better Future’ strategy earlier this year.

Charities and Charitable Incorporated Organisations (CIOs) with a turnover of £25,000 to £500,000 can apply for an unrestricted grant of up to £75,000 over three years, provided they are carrying out work which fits in with one of the fund’s priorities:

• Addiction and dependency on alcohol, drugs and/or gambling
• Asylum seekers and refugees
• Domestic and sexual abuse
• Homeless and vulnerably housed
• Offending, prison or community service
• Sexual exploitation
• Trafficking and modern slavery
• Care leavers

The deadline to apply is 3 March 2023, for decisions by 14 July 2023.

Learn more about this funding programme

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New Dates for National Lottery Grants for Heritage over £250,000
Not-for-profit organisations and third sector-led partnerships in the UK can now apply for the largest grants within the National Lottery’s Heritage programme. The Heritage Fund fund projects that connect people and communities to the national, regional and local heritage of the UK. Heritage can mean different things to different people. It can be anything from the past that you value and want to pass on to future generations.

Until the end of the 2022/23 financial year, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, priority will be given to projects that:

• Promote inclusion and involve a wider range of people (mandatory outcome).
• Boost the local economy.
• Encourage skills development and job creation.
• Support wellbeing.
• Create better places to live, work and visit.
• Improve the resilience of organisations working in heritage.

The programme provides three levels of grants, with those under £250,000 offered on a rolling basis.

The next deadline for grants up to £5 million is 23 February 2023.

Read more about the Heritage Fund and how to apply

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Applications for Rank Foundation Awards Now Open
The Hospice UK funded programme is open for applications under the 2022 theme of Environmental Improvements. Projects should help hospices to implement measures that will reduce their impact on the environment and to deliver sustainable healthcare. Grants of up to £20,000 are available to adult hospices that are members of Hospice UK.  The programme is primarily to support capital costs, though revenue costs that help deliver the capital activity can be included in the project costs. Nevertheless, revenue costs must not be the primary expense.

The deadline to apply is 20 January 2023 at 5pm.

Learn more about the Hospice UK grant programme

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Future Communities Fund Now Accepting Applications
As part of its new strategy, ‘Building Communities of the Future Together’, Co-op Foundation has opened an unrestricted grants programme supporting youth engagement in the UK. The Future Communities Fund offers grants of up to £30,000 per year for five years. The Future Communities Fund will focus on supporting voluntary organisations passionate about helping achieve their Future Communities Vision, created by young people.

Find out more about the fund in this ‘Future Communities Fund Webinar’…

The fund is open until 12pm on 23 December 2022.

Find out more about Future Communities Fund and how to apply

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UK Community Foundations Receive Funding Boost for Ukrainian Refugees
Following a £500,000 donation from the Masonic Charitable Foundation, Community Foundations across the UK will be able to provide additional funding to charitable groups supporting Ukrainian Refugees in their local areas. In total, this will bring the amount given by the Freemasons towards assistance for Ukrainians to over £1 million since the onset of the Russian invasion.

10 Community Foundations will receive a grant of £50,000 including Community Foundations for Lancashire & Merseyside.

For more information on this funding opportunity click here

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Lancaster District Community Wellbeing Fund – Round 3 Extended
Community groups now have until January 13th to submit applications for the Lancaster District Community Wellbeing Fund third round. Grants of £500 to £2,000 are available to expand activities and reach more people, or to support new projects.

The fund aims to support projects that have a direct impact on physical and mental well-being, for example knit and natter sessions, walking for health groups, or art/crafts-based activities. This upcoming round focusses on those working with the over 55s and the disabled.

For more information and to apply

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Lancashire Warm Spaces Grant Scheme
A new grant scheme aimed at helping organisations in the community to run warm spaces this winter has been launched by Lancashire County Council. All libraries in Lancashire have been designated as warm and welcome spaces where people can find a warm drink, a space to sit, free computers and Wi-Fi, charging points for digital equipment, events and activities and help from staff to find further information about what support is available.

To complement this offer, the county council has developed a new small grants scheme that will allow organisations in the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector, as well as for parish and town councils, to create or improve their warm space offer in their local community. Grants of up to £500 will be available through a simple application process.

The grant scheme is an open bidding round with no initial closing date. However, applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before funding is fully allocated. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and decisions made within a 10-day period, until the funding has been fully allocated.

For information on the LCC Cost of Living Support

Go direct to Lancashire Warm Spaces and grant scheme information

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Funding for Community Garden Projects
Charities, community groups, and community interest companies can apply for funding for community gardening projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Grants of up to £5,000 are available (although most grant awards are for under £2,000) for the creation of a community garden or a community park or allotment with a horticultural focus for the benefit of the local community.

Eligible costs could include site preparation (including hire of small mechanical tools such as rotavators), hand tools, plants, trees, shrubs, containers and seating. Projects encouraging biodiversity and wildlife are encouraged.

The funding is made available through the National Garden Scheme Community Gardens Grants programme which closes to applications at 12pm on the 31st January 2023.

Full details are available here

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The Fore’s Spring 2023 Funding Round
The Fore’s Spring 2023 Funding Round offers unrestricted grants of up to £30,000 across 1 to 3 years to small charities and social enterprises. The Fore’s grants are intended to create a step change for your organisation – we call this ‘transformational impact’. For example, the grant may help your organisation grow, increase your staff capacity, serve a new beneficiary group, become more sustainable or make your systems more efficient. We just want you to be able to be better at what you do.

Grantees of The Fore Receive:

• Unrestricted funding up to £30,000, which can be spread across 1 to 3 years.
• Access to free, highly skilled support via The Fore’s pro bono network of skilled volunteers from our corporate partners.
• Access to The Fore’s skills training workshops, covering topics such as: Fundraising, communications, finance, strategy, and more.
• A fully funded place on an Impact Management course.

All UK-registered charities, CICs, CIOs and CBSs with an annual income under £500,000 in the last completed financial year are welcome to apply.

Registration for this will take place on 12 December, 10am

Deadline for Registered organisations will be 16 January, 5pm

You can find more information about The Fore and their upcoming Spring 2023 Funding Round on their website

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William Wates Memorial Trust Reopens to Applications
Charitable groups in London and the South-East will soon be able to apply for multi-year grants for projects which support vulnerable young people between 5 and 19 years old. Most grants are for around £30,000 over three years. However, at any one time the Trust will also have two or three grants for £30,000 to £50,000 per annum over three years. The fund is open to registered charities and other non-profit organisations and Trustees will consider applications for the following type of projects:

• To help the most disadvantaged young people keep away from a life of crime and violence, and to fulfil their potential.
• To support projects that engage young people through the mediums of sport, art and education.

Projects which will be favoured are those with the potential for sustainable and lasting impact.

The fund opens on 24 November 2022 and closes on 23 December 2022.

Find out more about this fund and how to apply

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Vision Fund Accepting Applications for 2023 Round
Following the launch of its report, ‘The Unseen – Blind and Partially Sighted People’s Experiences of Domestic Abuse’, the Vision Foundation has announced its latest grant programme which will address the Report’s findings. The programme offers a total funding pot of £200,000 and consists of two funding streams:

• Micro Grants for Community Response – £500 to £5,000.
• Grants for Coordinated Sector Response – up to £50,000.

Although the Vision Fund is usually only open to organisations carrying out activities in London, it recognises that effective response to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) may require strategic and national efforts. As a result of this, under the Coordinated Sector Response stream, applications from organisations that can clearly demonstrate an impact at the national level are accepted.

The deadline to apply is 23.59 on 6 January 2023.

Look into this source of funding further

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Schools in England Invited to Join National Breakfast Programme
The National School Breakfast Programme (NSBP) is funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and delivered by Family Action to support schools in England to provide children with a healthy breakfast at the start of the school day. Building on the success of the former NSBP, Family Action can offer 2500 schools a place on the new Programme. The programme will provide schools with up to three years of support to run a successful and affordable school breakfast provision.

The NSBP will provide:

• A 75% subsidy for breakfast club provision until the end of the current programme in July 2024
• Good practice sharing opportunities, resources and the opportunity to learn from a national network of schools
• The opportunity to enhance parental engagement on healthy eating and the importance of having a nutritious breakfast each morning
• A knowledgeable school support team, will be on hand to provide remote advice and support.

To learn more about this programme and to show an expression of interest

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NPC Launches Funds for Charities Tackling Financial Hardship
New Philanthropy Capital (NPC) is providing two separate funds in the financial hardship sector, aiming to relieve and reduce financial hardship in the UK. One off grants are available for small charities and other not-for-profit organisations that are supporting local communities in the UK who are facing financial hardship over the next six months.

The deadline for all applications is 16 December 2022 (5pm).

For further information on this funding and application

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New Unrestricted Grants from Co-op Foundation
As part of its ‘Building Communities of the Future Together’ Strategy 2022-27, Co-op Foundation is preparing to launch the Future Communities Fund to support charitable organisations building communities that:

• Are diverse, equitable and inclusive.
• Prioritise youth activism, shared power and transparent governance.

Unrestricted grants of up to £30,000 per year for up to five years will be available to groups helping to build strong and inclusive communities and engage meaningfully with young people across the UK.

This application window will close at midday on 23 December 2022

Learn more about this fund

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Access to Digital Inclusion Funding with Primary Care Programme
Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care System commissioned a pilot programme to support digital inclusion in primary care 2021 to 2022.  They are now looking to extend the project to work with more Voluntary, Community Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) organisations across the region to become digitally enabled.

The deadline for expressions of interest in this programme is the 16^th December 2022.

For the expression of interest form click here

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£5m Fund from Ministry of Justice for Youth Sports Projects
The Ministry of Justice has identified new funding to invest in sports programmes across England and Wales that effectively deliver against criminal justice outcomes in the financial year to the end of March 2023. Grants of £20,000 are on offer though smaller amounts may also be available depending on the project.

Projects should involve sports-based activities to engage vulnerable young people at risk of offending across England and Wales.

For further details on the programme and application details

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CLA Charitable Trust Announces Application Deadlines for 2023
The CLA Charitable Trust provides one-off grants, typically under £5,500, to small to medium UK registered charities and not for profit organisation with a clear social purpose that access the benefits of the countryside to pursue the health and wellbeing of people and to provide opportunities for education about the countryside in England and Wales.

Priority areas include: Children and young people, disadvantaged financially, physically, mentally, or from areas of deprivation. Applications for running costs, project works and capital works are eligible. Evidence of need should be demonstrated.

The first 2023 deadline for application is 6 February,to be followed by deadlines on 26 April and 31 August.

Learn more about the CLA Charitable Trust and it’s funding

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‘Weston Charity Awards’ Open for Northern Charities Seeking Specialist Support
Applications for the Weston Charity Awards 2023 are officially open thanks to a collaboration between The Garfield Weston Foundation and charity partner, Pilotlight.

Now in its ninth year, the Awards offer a unique package of support worth over £22,000 to small charities in the North of England, the Midlands, and Wales. The Awards nurture leadership talent while amplifying a charity’s potential impact.

The application deadline is 6 January 2023

Discover more about the awards and the funding support on offer

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ENWL Storm Arwen Community Resilience Fund
Grants are available to groups that are supporting local communities impacted by Storm Arwen in 2021 in the counties of Cumbria, Derbyshire, Lancashire and surrounding areas, to be better prepared for and more resilient to future emergency and/or extreme weather events.

Who can apply?

• Local volunteer-led organisations
• Not-for-profit community organisations
• Local registered charities
• Parish councils

Applicants must be based in or provide a service to eligible communities, which are defined as those which were off electricity supply for 72 hours or more during Storm Arwen in November 2021 within the postcodes listed here.

More information here

Go direct to application

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Lloyd’s of London Foundation Seeking Charity Partnerships
Registered charities in the UK can now apply to the latest grants programme from Lloyd’s of London Foundation, an independent charity founded and funded by Lloyd’s. The scheme offers grants of £25,000 to £50,000 to organisations which can meet some or all of the application criteria.

Grant applications are now open with application deadline on 11 Dec 2022, 23:59pm

Find out more about the fund and application

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Social Action Fund for Schools Opens 1 November
Grants are now available to schools in England to support young people to access high quality social action opportunities. The Ormiston Trust is a grant-giving trust that primarily supports schools and organisations that provide direct assistance to children, young people, and families across England.

Application deadline 16 December 2022

More information here

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BBC Children in Need Core Costs funding stream launch
BBC Children in need have launched a Core Costs funding stream to support not-for-profit organisations working with children and young people aged 18 or under. Core Costs support essential organisational and administrative spending. These are the key expenses required to keep your organisation running. There is no deadline for funding applications.

Further details can be found here

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The Elephant Trust
Grants are offered to artists, small arts organisations and galleries across the UK, with the aim of making it possible for artists to undertake and complete projects, leading to new, distinct and imaginative work.

Next deadline 23 January 2023

Find out more and apply

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AB Charitable Trust
The Trust aims to defend human rights and promote respect to others, through grants to charities who focus on work around migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, penal reform and human rights.

Grants average between £10,000 and £20,000 to organisations with turnover between £150,000 and £1.5 million.

The next application deadline is 23 January 2023.

Find out more and apply

Free Access to Promotional Tool for Charities
Charities and CICs in the UK can access a premium marketing and design tool Canva for no cost. If you are a non-profit organisation or group and require a quick, free and easy way to promote your promotional messages for online or social media, this handy digital resource could be useful.

To apply for access follow this link.

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State of the Social Sector Survey – Cost of Living
NAVCA have been working with Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University on a State of the Social Sector survey aiming to collect data to be shared with the government, demonstrating the support that voluntary and community sector organisations need to support people through the cost of living crisis. The survey focuses on the cost of living crisis and its impact on the VCSE sector. It aims to gather data to inform Government decisions on extending support for the sector on energy bills and further funding to deliver the additional support you are currently providing…

Follow this link to contribute to the survey

For more information about the survey

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Cyber Security for Charities
Cyber attacks can be devastating financially and reputationally, but many charities don’t realise how vulnerable they are to the threat. A recent Third Sector and NCSC survey with over 120 charities revealed only half are fully aware of the potential consequences of a cyber attack, leaving the other half open to emerging threats. Alarmingly, one in 10 said it’s not even on the boardroom agenda, and one in five said not a single employee was trained to identify a cyber attack.

Third Sector provide a guide that gives you an inside look into the current cyber threats that charities face, how to spot a cyber attack and how to get buy-in from the board to invest in cyber security.

Learn more about how to protect your charity from Cyber crime

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Cranfield Trust FREE Telephone Support
Cranfield Trust is offering free telephone support in addition to their usual consultancy and mentoring, to provide one-off and immediate management support to charity leaders as they face the challenges at this time.

Telephone calls of approx. 30-45 minutes are pre-booked to capture information about the charity and the nature of the issue, and Cranfield Trust will then match a volunteer with the relevant skill set to the charity to provide the clarity and confidence they need to take the issue forward.

The service is free of charge for eligible social welfare charities and can be accessed through the Trust’s website.

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Stuart Andrew MP – New Minister for Civil Society
Rt Hon Stuart Andrew MP is the new minister for Civil Society (including Loneliness) and Youth. This sits alongside responsibility for Sport and Tourism, as well as a pan-government Equalities brief.

 More details here

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Lancaster BID Christmas Toy Appeal
Teaming up with Joe’s Clothes, Helping Heart for Ukraine, the Children’s Ward at RLI and Unique Kidz and Co, Lancaster BID is appealing to the public and business community to donate new or nearly new toys to those children that really need them this Christmas.

Find out more about the appeal

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Regenerative resilience and the role of communities
With the launch of a new report for Local Trust, Towards Regenerative Resilience, James Goodman, the Trust’s director of partnerships and learning, explores why building well-prepared, resilient communities is essential in an age of permanent crisis.

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How to make recruitment disability inclusive
You want to attract brilliant candidates to your charity. Yet common recruitment practices put up barriers that stop all kinds of talented people from learning about, considering, or applying to join your team

Discover great inclusivity strategies in this Charity Digital article.

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Call for activities and resources in libraries this winter
Lancashire County Council has plans to make use of its 64 Libraries, promoting them as warm and welcoming spaces this winter. As part of the first stage of this offer, one Library per Lancashire District (in our case Morecambe) will be offering a programme of engaging and inclusive daytime events, activities and self-care packs.

The Council are keen to hear from appropriate organisations who can help them deliver across some/all of the twelve Libraries, aimed at supporting residents with key issues relating to the cost-of-living such as food (e.g. cooking healthy food on a budget), fuel (e.g. energy efficiency measures) and debt/money management (e.g. budgeting).

Other libraries involved are Accrington, Burnley, Chorley, Clitheroe, Fleetwood, Ingol, Leyland, Nelson, Rawtenstall, Skelmersdale and St Anne’s.

If you feel that you would able to deliver an activity/event or provide self-care resources, please email [email protected]

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Giving Talents Global Volunteering Hour
A global network of charities, NGO’s and Not for Profit groups are developing a global volunteering hour that is due to take place on Tuesday 29th November between 1pm and 2pm.

This is the first year and they’re aiming to get 500,000 people across the globe signed up to the project to commit 1 hour of their time on the 29th November between 1pm and 2pm, to be generous and spread some kindness across their community.

It could be sharing some time with a neighbour, making a cup of tea and taking an hour out with someone you never really get the chance to catch up with, donating an hour to a local charity or good cause . . . it really could be anything that demonstrates generosity of spirit, time, skills etc, the choice is entirely up to you!

The CVS team will be signing up, and it would be fantastic to see Lancaster district represented on a global level, showing the world just what a kind and considerate city we are.

Find out more here

DCMS and The Campaign to End Loneliness launch digital hub
The department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) and The Campaign to End Loneliness have launched a digital hub to create a community for professionals working to reduce loneliness. The Hub enables members to connect with others who are also working to reduce loneliness, share the latest research and insight on what works and attend events and workshops. The Tackling Loneliness Hub is open to all professionals, including frontline delivery professionals, national policy advisors, academic researchers, and Local Authorities in England whose work supports a reduction in loneliness as well as those who would like to learn more about how their work could do so.

To join this community of over 350 members, visit the Tackling Loneliness Hub webpage.

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The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery & FREE Fork to Fork Bird Project
The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery is a free Nature and Wellbeing programme for people in Morecambe Bay, helping individuals to improve their wellbeing and tackle feelings of isolation through learning about nature. Weekly wellbeing sessions are held for small groups at Happy Mount Park in Morecambe and at the Storey Gardens in Lancaster that individuals can refer onto. Activities link into the 5 ways to wellbeing and include bushcraft, conservation, environmental art, mindfulness and nature walks.

Along with the above being hosted is a free 4-week course at the Fork to Fork woodland garden in Lancaster from Tuesday 3rd January: Help create a bird feeding and viewing area in the woodland garden, while experiencing the benefits that time outdoors can have for our wellbeing. There will be the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills and have fun in a safe and welcoming outdoor setting. Outdoor clothing is available on request and with a reimbursement of up to £5 per session for travel costs. Booking and pre-registration are essential due to limited spaces.

View their e-leaflet for these sessions here

To access the Nature and Wellbeing sessions please complete an online referral form or contact Alex (Nature and Wellbeing Officer) for more information: 07884 605256 / [email protected]

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MBRN Top Tips ahead of Winter
With winter just around the corner, Morecambe Bay Respiratory Network (MBRN) is encouraging those who have long-term respiratory conditions to take precautions to avoid becoming really unwell. 

Top tips from the MBRN:

• Have your flu jab 
• Have your Covid booster
• Have an anti-pneumonia vaccine if you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis or pulmonary fibrosis
• Stay warm (If you need help with heating costs, you might be entitled to welfare benefits. See our Q&A for more advice)
• Avoid contact with people who have symptoms of cold or flu
• Keep active 
• Agree on a care plan with your health care professional. 

Dr Pat Haslam, local GP and joint Clinical Lead of the MBRN, said: “By autumn you should start to think about ways you can keep yourself well during winter if you are living with a long-term respiratory condition. 

 “Cold weather can trigger a flare-up of your symptoms if you have a long-term respiratory condition and make you more vulnerable to illnesses. But there are things you can do to look after your lungs this winter.”

For more information and tips read our Q&A with Dr Pat Haslam on the Bay Health and Care Partners website here

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Covid & Flu Vaccination Pop Up Clinics
The Bay Integrated Care Community have sent a reminder for upcoming dates and locations for Covid19 and Flu vaccination clinics. The NHS vaccination team will be at Morecambe Library, Central Drive from 10am – 4pm on Thursday 8^th December and then at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, Morecambe from 10am-4pm on Tuesday 13^th December.

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Health & Wellbeing Support Coaching – VCFSE Bursary Available
The Morecambe Bay Population Health Team are working with voluntary sector organisations in the Lancaster District to widen access to accredited health coaching skills training, which aims to upskill individuals to have better conversations and support people to reach their self-identified goals.

The course is for staff and volunteers who perform roles where they have the opportunity to support people to make behavioural changes that will encourage improved health and well-being. It will provide a range of tools and techniques that will help structure conversations to help individuals set and work towards goals that are important to them, whether this is about lifestyle changes that will promote better health and wellbeing, or being better able to manage long term conditions.

VCFSE organisations which would like help to enable their staff or volunteers to access this training can apply to Lancaster District CVS for an attendance bursary. This is to help cover the costs of time taken to attend the course. The bursary totals £87 (£12.50 per hour) which will be paid to the organisation’s bank account once the course has been completed.

Please complete this form to choose course dates and request a bursary place.

Lancaster District CVS will then get in touch with you to confirm the bursary and explain how to make your booking for the course.

Places are limited and subject to a first come first served basis

If you have any questions regarding this training, please contact: [email protected]

The course is currently running as an online workshop delivered over two sessions lasting 3.5 hours each. Course dates are below.

Day 1: Wednesday 7 December [13:00 – 16:30]
Day 2: Wednesday 14 December [13:00 – 16:45]

Day 1:Monday 9 January [2023] [9:30 – 13:00]
Day 2:Monday 23 January [2023] [9:30 – 13:15]

Day1: Thursday 9 February [2023] [9:30 – 13:00
Day 2: Thursday 23 February [2023] [9:30 – 13:15]

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Operation Spectre Local Knife Disposal
Following the week long national initiative to tackle knife crime – Operation Sceptre, 594 knives have been recovered across the West Division which covers the areas of Blackpool , Fylde, Wyre, Lancaster and Morecambe.  Proactive engagement involved community meetings, school talks (at both primary and high schools) and leaflet drops. Sergeant Dan Whitaker from Lancashire’s Violence Reduction Network said: “This is a huge result for West Division and the public have really engaged with this operation. It is so important to us to reach as many people as possible through operations like this. Op Sceptre holds an important message and we will continue the work to make West Division a safe place to be.”

You can find your local knife bin in the following locations:

Lancaster – Under Carlisle Bridge, Morecambe Road, Lancaster, LA1 2RX

Morecambe – Near youth centre, Central Drive, Morecambe, LA4 4DE

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Warm Hubs in the Lancaster District
Lancaster City Council have published information about places opening their doors to provide warmth, information and advice over the coming months.

This resource will be updated as more locations announce their plans.

View a list of locations, hours and provision here, or see a map of locations here.

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New vaccine marketing campaign
A new country-wide marketing campaign urging millions of eligible people to get their flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines to top up their immunity has launched.

Targeted communications for individuals with long term health conditions, pregnant women and ethnic minority communities, with a particular focus on those with low vaccine confidence, will also appear, and will include examples of where vaccine uptake rates have been low in the past.

Download the UK Health Security Agency’s communications support and stakeholder pack here

New Year’s Eve Ceilidh & Jig-Run-Rig Band – The Centre, Halton
The Ceilidh at The Centre is back for 2022 after a three year break. There will also be musical entertainment by Jig-Run-Rig, a Cumbrian ceilidh band with an exciting varied taste in music, including Celtic, French and Canadian, as well as English and local Cumbrian Tunes. There will be a bar and nibbles on sale but please bring your own picnic meal this year.

The Ceilidh will be on Saturday 31^st December from 7.30pm – 12.30pm. 

For further information and to book your tickets

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Comedy Night at the Gregson 
Join the Lancaster University Comedy Institute for a few laughs this Saturday 10th December from 7.30pm. The event will be £5 on the door. 

View event e-flyer here

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The Sunday Social at More Music – Warm Hub
With the challenging winter ahead More Music are joining the Warm Spaces Scheme and opening their doors on Sundays from 2-5pm. Their Sunday Social is free of charge and offer a warm and welcome space where you are invited for lunch while avoiding the cold, plus there’s great music to enjoy. Running every Sunday until March 2023.

Find out more here

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Christchurch Hall Function Hire
Are you looking for a venue to host an event such as a wedding or christening?  Christchurch Hall are welcoming bookings for all types of functions such as social events, classes, meetings and more on either a one off or regular basis. The Church Hall is modern and spacious with a well-equipped kitchen. The hall is also fully accessible, with disabled lavatory facilities and includes plenty of chairs and tables. 

For more information on the venue view their e-leaflet here

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Lancaster District Against Gender-Based Violence
This year’s 16 Days of Activism are sharing a series of events in the Lancaster District to bring awareness to gender-based violence. The events will take place throughout November and December in a variety of venues including The Dukes Theatre, Plinth, Market Square, Lancaster Uni, Dalton Square and The Gregson Centre.

Click here for the events calendar

Find out more about 16 Days of Activism here

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Festive Fun Run
Lancaster & Morecambe AC is organising its popular Christmas 4k Festive Fun Run from the clubhouse on the athletics track at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre, near Lancaster (LA1 5JS) again this year, on Wednesday December 28th at 11am. It is aimed at families and fun runners as well as more regular competitors.  There will be a great atmosphere and a super festive medal for all finishers. All runners are very welcome to run in fancy dress.

Any queries contact Steve Perry via email: [email protected]

For further event information click here

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Digital skills training from Reason Digital
Four free e-learning courses are currently on offer for third sector organisations via Reason Digital:

• Mobilising supporters: Through the power of storytelling, personalisation, data, and more, you can deliver a truly empowering journey for your supporters. In turn, your engaged supporters can deliver massive value to your organisation.
• Digital strategy for charities: how to approach and get the most out of your charity digital strategy.
• Digital fundraising: how to make the most out of online donations, including practical tips and strategies.
• Creating engaging content: how to create inspiring, impactful, and engaging content for your charity.

Find out more and access courses here

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Tackling Homelessness Digital Conference
Westminster Insight’s conference will share guidance and evidence-based strategies that services can implement to improve outcomes for people sleeping rough or at risk of homelessness.

Sessions include a focus on multi-agency partnerships, alternative housing solutions, young people and care leavers, and building resilient staff networks.

25 January, 9am – 1:30pm

Find out more and book tickets

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FarmStart 2023 Training Programme
LESS, The Plot and FoodFutures are opening applications for the 2023 FarmStart training programme. This hands-on 40-week programme is aimed at people who would like to play an active role in setting up new food growing enterprises around North Lancashire.

FarmStart is a year-long programme where you spend two days a week working with an experienced grower across two sites. In addition, a dedicated training and mentoring programme covers both the horticultural skills and business skills needed to set up and run a small-scale market garden to hopefully tool you up for your own local project in the future.

Find out how to book a taster session, complete a FarmStart application, and learn more about why local food is important at the FoodFutures website.

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Maths, English and ESOL Courses at the Cornerstone
Lancashire Adult Learning are offering maths, English, and English to Speakers of Other Languages courses at the Cornerstone, Lancaster.

To find out more about ESOL, contact Dora on 07387 103250

To find out more about maths and English classes, contact Sarah on 07786 197172

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Christians Against Poverty Budgeting Course
The FREE CAP Money Course is for anyone who would like to have more control over your finances.

Friendly, informal sessions include pointers for setting a budget sticking to it, and provides a useful free online tool to help track what you spend your money on, helping to save money and stay out of debt for a secure financial future.

The course takes place in Morecambe or Carnforth.

Find out more and register interest by emailing [email protected]

Emotional Health Practitioner with A.C.E
Achieve, Change and Engagement are looking for an experienced, committed and motivated person to join their team to work with young people to support them to improve their emotional health and build resilience by individual and group work (peer support and participation work) and support them to access the support they need. There are a number of vacancies in different locations across Fylde and Wyre Districts.  The vacancies are in schools and in the local community. There is the opportunity to work part time or full- time and the position is term time only.

Salary: £22,228 pro rata, per annum
Contract: Part-time
Location: Fylde & Wyre
Closing Date: 12 December, 12pm

Learn more about this role and apply

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BAME Outreach Support Worker – Preston Domestic Violence Services
Preston Domestic Violence Services are looking to recruit a BAME Outreach Support Worker.  This position is open to women applicants only. 

Salary: £15,834 actual (£23,434 pro-rata)
Contract: 25 hours pw
Location: A combination of office based (Harbour House, Port Way) and home visits
Closing Date: 4 January 2023, 12:00

Find out more and apply here

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South Lakes Citizens Advice – x2 Job Opportunities

Macmillan Welfare Benefits Adviser

South Lakes Citizens Advice are looking to recruit a Welfare Benefits Adviser for their Kendal and Ulverston offices. The post holder will work with the Macmillan team to deliver a comprehensive, quality and accessible welfare benefits advice service.   

Salary: £12,254 per year
Contract: Contract, Part-time, 18.5 hours pw
Location: Kendal, Cumbria (On-site)
Closing Date: 3 January 2023, 12:00

Find out more and apply here

Volunteer Recruitment and Training Officer

South Lakes Citizens Advice are seeking a Volunteer Recruitment and Training Officer to recruit volunteers, provide training, support and guidance to all volunteers and staff. Responsible to the Chief Officer you will be required to worth with the management team to ensure that South Lakes Citizens has a well-trained and diverse volunteer base which can meet the demands of the service.

Salary: £12,254 per year
Contract: Contract, Part-time, 18.5 hours pw
Location: Kendal, Cumbria (On-site)
Closing Date: 3 January 2023, 12:00

Find out more and apply here

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Recovery Worker with Richmond Fellowship
Richmond Fellowship are seeking a caring, flexible and creative individual to join their team at Adelphi Court as a Recovery Worker. Adelphi Court is a mental health, supported housing and community based service, working to a recovery model. Responsible for helping and inspiring the people who use their services to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community, you will be relied upon to work with them to come up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations.

Salary: £19,304 pro rata, per year
Contract: Permanent, Part-time, 30 hours pw
Location: Barrow in Furness, Cumbria (On-site)
Closing Date: 31 December 2022, 23:59

Discover more about the role and apply

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Prince’s Trust Team Leader – Lancaster & Morecambe
An opportunity has arisen for a Prince’s Trust Team Leader to join an inclusive and value driven public sector organisation with an outstanding organisational culture. The role will include free car parking, a generous pension and generous annual leave. This is a challenging but immensely rewarding role, delivering the Prince’s Trust Team Programme to young people in the 16-25 age group in Lancashire. The Prince’s Trust Programme is a personal development programme that enables young people to develop their confidence, motivation and skills through teamwork in the community. It brings together people of different abilities, circumstances and backgrounds – both employed and unemployed.

Salary: Scale 6, SCP 20-27 £28,371-£33,820
Contract: 36.25 hpw a flexitime scheme is in operation
Location: Lancaster Fire Station & Morecambe Fire Station
Closing Date: 16 December 2022, 12pm

Find out more and apply here

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Events Fundraiser with CancerCare
CancerCare are looking to recruit a dynamic, innovative and energetic Events Fundraiser to join their dynamic organisation. You’ll have excellent organisational and interpersonal skills and be able to connect with and engage a wide range of people. This role will suit someone confident at working on multiple projects at once, planning ahead and has a proactive approach to work.

Salary: £21,107
Contract: 30 hours (flexible working hours and arrangements in line with job description)
Location: Lancaster with occasional travel to other venues
Closing Date: 16 December 2022

For more on this role and to apply

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Rota Co-ordinator with Creative Support
Are you a motivated and resourceful person? Do you have strong organisational and communication skills? If so Creative Support are looking to recruit a Rota Coordinator for their Blackpool services. The right candidate will have excellent IT skills, plus proficiency with Word and Excel. They must also have excellent time management, strong written and verbal communication skills, and an attention to detail.

Salary: £24,102 based on experience
Contract: 37.5 hours pw, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Location: Blackpool
Closing Date: 12 December 2022

For more on this role and to apply

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Programme Manager – Membership Recruitment and Retention with RSPB
Saving nature is going to take leadership, innovation, and the ability to unite people to a common cause. RSPB are looking for an experienced programme manager who lives and breathes these attributes to improve the RSPB’s approach to membership recruitment and retention. As a skilled communicator, negotiator and influencer, you will be proactive in seeking out opportunities to develop yourself and your colleagues.

Salary: £ £33,600.00 – £37,275.00 Per Annum
Contract: Full time, 12 months
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire – Flexible in the UK
Closing Date: 11 December 2022, 23:59

Find out more about this role and apply

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Social Prescribing Link Worker/Health & Wellbeing Coach – Morecambe Bay Primary Care Collaborative
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dual role Social Prescriber / Health & Wellbeing Coach to join the developing multidisciplinary team in the Carnforth & Milnthorpe Primary Care Network. This role provides a great opportunity to join a team who are committed in providing additional care and services across our patient population.

Salary: Dependent on experience
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Carnforth
Closing Date: 09 December 2022

For more information on this role and to apply

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Trustees Roles for the Skelton Charity
For over 90 years the Skelton Trust has distributed funds to volunteer led charities to enable them to help more people. Their trustees are now looking to strengthen their membership by recruiting two additional members. They are welcoming applications from anyone who is able to serve as a charity trustee. The charity are interested in applicants who have digital communication skills, and those who can help build more inclusive communities.

For more information please see the role information pack. 

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Council of Governors – Information for Prospective Governors
Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust have provided a document to help members decide if they would like to stand for election to the Council of Governors, including the commitment and involvement required.

Click here to view the document

For more information follow this link

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Volunteer Coordinator – Let’s BeFriends
Let’s BeFriends are seeking a Volunteer Coordinator to assist the Project Coordinator with a focus on supervising and supporting their team of volunteers. Being passionate that everyone deserves a safe, adequate and affordable home is a foundational principle. Awareness of the complexity of needs of their beneficiaries is essential, as is being driven to find holistic solutions.

Salary: £16 hours per week @ 12.60 per hour
Contract: Self-employed role with an initial 12-month contract / Flexible hours
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe
Closing Date: Tuesday 13^th December 2022, 11:59pm

Find out more here

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Trustee Posts with More Music in Morecambe
More Music in Morecambe are seeking three new Trustees to join their board of directors to develop the organisation and to strengthen and diversify the team. 

As a board member you will be part of a team providing creative opportunities for thousands of participants, artists and musicians engaging with More Music’s innovative programme of workshops and events. 

Salary:
Contract:
Location: Morecambe
Closing Date: 16^th December 2022

Find out more and apply

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Network Coordinator – Let’s BeFriends
Let’s BeFriends are also looking to recruit a Network Coordinator as part of their team expansion plans.  The post holder will be required to lead on planning and organising recruitment campaigns and implement initiatives to attract new volunteers. The post holder will be expected to network, build and maintain relationships with various organisations to aid the sustainability of recruitment.

Salary: £16 hours per week @ 12.60 per hour
Contract: Self-employed role with an initial 12-month contract / Flexible hours
Location: Lancaster & Morecambe
Closing Date: Tuesday 13^th December 2022, 11:59pm

Find out more here

Find out more and apply

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, 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]