Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 10 November 2023

Lancashire Warm Spaces Grant Scheme 2023/4
Groups running a warm space this winter can apply for up to £500. The funding can be spent on:

• Equipment
• Energy bills (gas and electric) or meter top ups
• Premises costs
• Volunteer and organisational training
• Volunteer expenses
• Expenses for light refreshments can be included
• Projects and activities that build resilience
• Organisational staff costs

Find out more and apply – the deadline is 3 December, 23:59

Register your warm space with Lancashire County Council

Tell LDCVS about your warm space, so we can put it on the Lancaster Digital Directory

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Veterans’ Foundation 2024
The Foundation helps charities and other organisations that support serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and their dependents. Examples of activities eligible for support include reducing homelessness, increasing employment, providing welfare, reducing addiction, care during old age and more.

Grants are available up to £30,000 for projects, and up to £50,000 over two years exclusively for salary costs.

Deadlines for 2024 applications have now been announced. The first is 30 January.

Find out more and apply

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Austin & Hope Pilkington Trust 2024/5
Awarding grants of £1,000 to charities with income/expenditure between £100,000 and £1 million, and £5,000 to charities with income/expenditure over £1 million, the Trust has announced the following rounds:

2024 Rounds 1 & 2: Disability, specifically employment and training
2024 Rounds 3 & 4: Food poverty, focusing on providing meals, education, cooking skills, and eliminating food waste

2025 Rounds 1 & 2: Access to the Arts
2025 Rounds £ & 4: Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Find out more and apply (from 1 February 2024)

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Windrush Day Grant Scheme 2023
The scheme supports groups to commemorate, celebrate and educate people about the contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants across communities in our country. 

It is intended to fund projects which educate people about the Windrush story, foster national pride and recognition of the contributions made by the Windrush generation and their descendants, and develop the skills and entrepreneurial ambitions of young people.

Grants are available in two tiers – £5,000 – £25,000 and £25,000 – £50,000.

The deadline for applications is 17 December.

Find out more (including information about bidder workshops) and apply here

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Ernest Cook Trust Outdoor Learning Officer Grant
The Outdoor Learning Officer Grant supports charities and non-profit organisations who want to employ an Outdoor Learning Officer, funding a contribution towards salaries only.

Grants are available for up to £20,000 a year for three years and are restricted to geographic areas by postcode. The entire Lancaster district is eligible.

Deadline 13 November.

Find out more and apply

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Department for Health & Social Care Accelerating Reform Fund
The Accelerating Reform Fund will focus on embedding and scaling approaches to transform care and support including for unpaid carers. This will accelerate progress towards the government’s social care vision where people have choice, control and support to live independent lives, and where care and support is of outstanding quality and is provided in a fair, accessible way.

Local authorities are invited to work in partnership with others in their integrated care systems (including community and voluntary groups) to develop proposals for local innovation projects.

Find out more on the Lancashire & South Cumbria VCFSE Alliance website

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Clothworkers’ Foundation – digital infrastructure projects
The Foundation has recently announced an expansion of their criteria for their Open Grants Programmes, to include capital grants for digital infrastructure projects (such as websites, databases, CRMs etc..)

Find out more about their digital infrastucture criteria.

A webinar explaining this expansion will take place on 7 December, 10am – 11am. Register here.

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Sea-Changers Marine Conservation Social Fund
The aim of the Marine Conservation Social Fund is to support socially beneficial marine conservation approaches and solutions. Its unique emphasis is that as well as supporting marine conservation outcomes, projects will support or enhance participants’ health and well-being and / or deliver benefits for disadvantaged communities.

Grant applications for projects costing between £3,000 – £5,000 should be submitted by 22 December.

Find out more and apply

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Crowdfund Lancashire Winter Round 23-24 Launch
This event is your chance to find out more about how Crowdfund Lancashire and Spacehive work, and to hear some success stories from past projects.

16 November, 12 noon – 1pm, online
Find out more and book

There will also be information drop-in sessions across Lancashire. Our nearest will be held at Garstang Library on 7 December, 5pm – 6:30pm.

Find out more about the programme on the County Council website.

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Ofgem Energy Redress Scheme
The Ofgem Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme has opened on the 24th of October for its sixth funding round.  

A total of £14 million is available for charities and community energy groups to apply for grants across four funding schemes. 

Projects they will consider include those that are aiming to support households at risk from cold homes and high energy bills, the development of innovative products and services related to domestic energy use, or projects aiming to reduce carbon emissions across England, Scotland and Wales. 

Find out and apply. Deadline – 14 November 2023.

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Big Bike Revival
The Big Bike Revival is all about helping everyone and anyone to begin and return to cycling through a programme of free activities and services, delivered by local community organisations.

The Winter Intervention provides grants of up to £2,500 for organisations which can deliver events focused around Cycling UK’s FIX-LEARN-RIDE model.

Find out more and apply

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Small grants for sports groups
Cash4Clubs offers unrestricted grants for community sports clubs and community groups, funded by Flutter Entertainment, a betting, gambling and entertainment company.

Projects must include activities for adult club members (over 18s), but as these are unrestricted grants they can otherwise be used for anything that will support sporting activity.

Grant of up to £2,000 are available. Apply by 31 December – applications may close early based on the volume of applications.

Find out more and apply

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Thomas Wall Trust – grants to help people find employment
The Trust accepts applications from charities which have been running for at least three years, for projects which help disadvantaged people with their communication skills, readying them for employment.

Submit an expression of interest for a grant of up to £5,000 by 8 January.

Find out more and apply

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Hinrichsen Foundation – grants for contemporary music
The Foundation offers grants in support of contemporary music, including performance, commissioning of works, non-commercial recording, and publication.

Apply for small grants of between £500 and £2,500, or for larger grants (including for a series of performances) of over £2,000, by 31 December.

Find out more and apply

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Make it Big With Pathway Fund
There is a new funding programme that’s set to make a significant impact. ‘Make it Big With Pathway Fund’ is a collaboration between Pathway Fund and social enterprise, Do it Now Now, aimed at empowering Black and Global Majority-led charities and social enterprises in the UK. With a strong focus on climate and racial equity, as well as poverty alleviation and racial equity, this initiative will provide 12 deserving organisations with a £30,000 grant and tailored support.

Applications for the fund are now open.

The expression of interest form will close on 16 November 2023.

Find out more here

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Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme Opens for UK Applications
Hospice UK’s Dying Matters Community Grants Programme, supported by Dignity Funerals, is offering funding to UK hospices for creative projects and activities aimed at initiating conversations about death and grief within traditionally underserved communities. The grants support hospices in forming partnerships, particularly with arts and cultural organizations, to engage diverse audiences. Proposed projects should approach the topic of death in innovative and culturally relevant ways through arts and culture. The total budget is £40,000, with project grants ranging from £5,000 to £8,000. The lead applicant must be a UK-based hospice and a member of Hospice UK.

The deadline for applications is 24 November 2023 (17:00)

Find out more about this funding option

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Freelands Foundation Invites Applications to Autumn 2023 Round
The Freelands Foundation is offering funding opportunities for visual art organisations in the UK to undertake ambitious projects in collaboration with schools and teachers, with a focus on supporting and empowering educators.

In the Autumn 2023 funding round, grants ranging from £50,000 to £150,000 per year for up to three years are available, aimed at projects commencing between September 1 and September 31, 2024. The funding supports projects within a broad definition of visual arts, including heritage and multi-arts organisations.

An online information session is scheduled for September 20, 2023, and the application process involves two stages.

More details here

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Ockenden International Prize 2024 – Open for Entries
The Ockenden International Prize for 2024 is now accepting entries, offering cash rewards to registered charities with projects dedicated to enhancing self-reliance among refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. Ockenden International, a charity with a long history of aiding refugees, established this prize in 2012.

The competition seeks initiatives that empower refugees and migrants, emphasizing their agency, dignity, and autonomy. It prioritizes supporting locally-based and refugee-led organizations working directly with displaced populations. Four winners will evenly share the £100,000 prize, receiving £25,000 each.

Deadline for applications is 30 November.

Read more about the Ockenden International Prize

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Paul Hamlyn Foundation’s Annual Teacher Development Fund Opens for UK Applications
The Paul Hamlyn Foundation is accepting applications for its 2024 Teacher Development Fund, which aims to build partnerships between primary schools and arts/cultural organizations in the UK. Grants of £165,000 are awarded to partnerships comprising arts/cultural organizations and six to ten schools. These partnerships collaborate for two academic years, participating in activities that promote peer networking and learning. Eligible applicants include charities, community organisations, schools, and others involved in the arts. Projects should focus on supporting students facing inequities, integrating arts-based learning into the curriculum, exploring blended professional development models, and building strong partnerships.

The deadline to apply is 13 November 2023 at 12 noon.

Learn more about this funding opportunity

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Castle Studies Trust Reopens for Applications 2023
Individuals and organisations across the UK can apply for funding to help advance the understanding of Castle Studies. The Castle Studies Trust is offering grants of up to £10,000 to support the production of new and discrete pieces of research that enhance the understanding and knowledge of castles. Grants will initially focus on new work on castles, such as architectural and geophysical surveys, radio-carbon dating, or projects that enhance the general public’s understanding of castles. The fund will cover costs specific to carrying out research and site work, such as travel to and from a castle site, equipment costs, or services provided by a third party. Funding can be used to co-fund large-scale projects.

The deadline for applications is 1 December 2023.

Learn more about this funding and apply

The King’s Speech
The King’s Speech contains 21 Bills that will be brought before Parliament in this session. This is highly likely to be the last parliamentary session prior to a general election and most announcements have been well trailed in the advance. The bills are divided into three themes: growing the economy, strengthening society and keeping people safe.

• Growing the economy includes much trailed bills to allow for annual licenses to be issued for offshore gas and oil exploration, regulation of automated vehicles and international trade. It also includes a bill to protect consumer rights in digital markets tackling fake reviews and subscription traps. The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill is intended to allow businesses to protect personal data in more proportionate and practical ways than under current GDPR regulations, and to clarify and improve rules around using personal data for scientific research and the delivery of health and social care.
• Strengthening society includes bills on banning tobacco and regulating vapes; reforming leasehold for houses [but not flats]; renters reform which will abolish no-fault evictions but strengthen landlord grounds for possession and ability to evict antisocial tenants; and a ban on public bodies imposing their own boycotts or sanctions on foreign countries.
• Keeping people safe: The Sentencing Bill will extend sentencing powers including mandatory whole life orders in some circumstances, serving whole sentences for rape and bringing in a presumption in favour of a suspended sentence for custodial sentences of 12 months or fewer. This is accompanied by another Criminal Justice Bill to introduce mandatory reporting of concerns relating to child sexual abuse; give more powers to probation officers; address violence against women and girls and antisocial behaviour; and transfer prisoners out of England and Wales to serve sentences abroad. Martyn’s Law, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises Bill) has moved from draft stage and will require certain public venues to plan to mitigate the impact of terrorist attacks and reduce harm. This will apply to all public buildings with a capacity of over 100 people.

The two Bills of direct relevance to the sector are: The Data Protection and Digital Information Bill and Martyn’s Law, The Terrorism (Protection of Premises Bill).

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Pro Bono Economics – Women and the Charity Sector Report
Pro Bono Economics uses economics to empower the social sector and to increase wellbeing across the UK.

Their latest report – created after lengthy interviews with women working in the sector – examines how charities work for women in terms of employment, volunteering, representation, power relationships, and intersections with race, disability, and sexuality. It concludes with a series of recommendations for the sector.

Find out more and read the full report

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Voluntary Sector North West Conference & AGM
‘Building Wealth in our Communities’ will be held at the Village Hotel, Warrington on 22 November 2023.

Whilst the Covid pandemic has receded, the cost-of-living crisis continues to stretch our sector’s resources. In the VSNW 2023 AGM and Conference, will look at ways out of this situation and how we can embed a just economic model in our communities. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will finish in less than two years, what happens after that? What will be the social, economic and investment plans of the next government?

The event is free to attend, and is aimed at VCSE leaders that are members, associates or partners of VSNW.

Find out more and book

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Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Week
The Trust is a national charity which exists to minimise the risk of abuse of disabled children and adults at risk.

Safeguarding Adults Week, 20 – 24 November, aims to highlight key safeguarding key issues, start conversations and raise awareness of safeguarding best practice. Free resources and training events will help other community organisations with their on safeguarding practice.

Find out more, download resources, and sign up for training activities

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Lowering Energy Bills in Charities & Social Enterprises: 7 Top Tips
This blog post from Good Finance provides a timely reminder of some measures community organisations can take in the short and medium-term in order to reduce their energy costs. It includes links to useful kits and guides elsewhere.

Find out more

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Global Link Hat, Scarf and Gloves Appeal
Global Link are asking people to help them share warmth this winter with individuals who have experienced forced migration.

Donations of unisex or men’s hats, scarves and gloves can be dropped off at 29 Queen Street, Lancaster on weekdays between 9am and 4pm. Please donate before 6 December.

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Introducing THRIVEpod
THRIVEpod is North Lancashire’s pilot community food podcast, produced by FoodFutures. It is created by residents living in North Lancashire with the aim of inspiring and connecting with other people living in the area.

Each episode discusses different aspects of our food system and questions: how can we support and create a thriving local food system that is healthy, resilient and fair?

Find out more and listen via the FoodFutures website, or find THRIVEPod on Spotify

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2023 Crime and Community Survey launched
Take part in the annual Neighbourhood Watch Crime and Community Survey and give your views on crime, community and your experience of Neighbourhood Watch.

All responses will be anonymous and everyone who has completed the survey can choose to opt-in to a prize draw for the chance to win £25 Amazon vouchers. The survey should only take 5-10 minutes of your time. The results will help the Neighbourhood Watch better understand crime and the fear of crime and whether living in a Neighbourhood Watch area has any impact on crime level, neighbourliness and the willingness of communities to work together.

Take part in the survey here, by 17 November.

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NCVO Cost of Giving Crisis Support
Charities across the country are set to face another difficult winter. They feel that they are not just facing a cost-of-living crisis but a ‘Cost of Giving Crisis’.

Such difficulties are due to a combination of the pandemic alongside increasing costs, income falling and demand increasing. The findings of NCVO surveys show that, worryingly, 85% of charities are expecting that this winter will be as tough or even tougher than the last and as many as 27% are saying that they believe they won’t be able to meet the demand that their services strive to meet.

Unfortunately, 1 in 5 charities say they could be forced to ‘disappear’ this winter leaving people and communities dependent on them at risk.

NCVO are highlighting these issues and offering urgent support including practical help, calling for government action and appealing to the public for more of their time rather than just donations alone.

Read about the campaign and support here.

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Enabling local voluntary and community action – Sheffield Hallam University PhD opportunity
Sheffield Hallam University is offering a competitive fully funded collaborative PhD studentship at the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) for February 2024 entry (available for both full-time and part-time PhD study).

The studentship has been co-designed by CRESR and NAVCA, the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action, to investigate the convening and place leadership roles of local voluntary and community sector infrastructure organisations. The successful applicant will be supported to identify a proposed area of focus and appropriate methodology for the study based on their own skills, experience and academic interests.

Closing date for applications is 27 November 2023.

For more information contact Rob Macmillan by email at [email protected]

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Host a Headway mince pie morning
Headway Lancaster and Morecambe Bay are looking for organisations or local businesses to host a mince pie coffee morning to help raise funds to support their valuable wellbeing work with the brain injury community.

For further details get in touch with Maria Galvin by email at [email protected]

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More in Common Groups & Partnerships
The Jo Cox foundation has received funding to develop and grow the More in Common Network, which champions the message conveyed in Jo Cox’s maiden speech to Parliament: “we are far more united and have far more in common than that which divides us”

More in Common groups are volunteer-led community groups made up of individuals who want to bring their communities together. Following successful pilots, the network is now able to expand.

To find out more about More in Common groups, attend one of the foundation’s regular meet and greet sessions online.

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Become a FoodFriend
FoodFriends is a dedicated fundraising scheme run by LESS. It supports the development of regenerative local food projects and the training of small-scale farmers.

By making regular monthly donations of £5 or £60 per year you will be supporting the Plot which is a new market garden with two sites in North Lancashire. It is a pioneer project which supplies organically grown produce to the economy and is a training and education centre for new entrant farmers. 

All FoodFriends are eligible for monthly draws for 6 prizes to win Local Food Vouchers which can be spent with partner organisations.  

The Covid-19 outbreak highlighted the value of local food economies and your support will help to increase the ability to create local, small-scale sustainable farming. 

Become a FoodFriend member here. 

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Lancaster District Allotment Review
LESS is working in conjunction with North Lancashire’s FoodFutures partnership and Lancaster City Council during 2023-2024 to explore how allotments are doing and current and potential plot holder’s dreams for the future of allotments. 

This review will look at issues including provisions of allotments, allotment governance, their contribution to the environment, demand for new sites and future visions. 

Take part in the appropriate survey for your individual views and current position in relation to allotments. On completion you will also be entered into a draw for a prize from a local food and/or gardening business.  

Read all the information about this review and take part in the surveys here. 

Surveys must be completed by the 20th of November 2023.

Volunteer Opportunity Promotion and Recruitment
Have you registered on our website to promote your volunteer roles? By adding your opportunities to our website you will be making them available to the hundreds of people per month who check our site looking for something to do. You will also enable our team to easily and quickly signpost people to your roles, to give them the information that they need to decide whether they would like to apply.

Registering is quick and easy and you can do it here.

Once registered you will be able to add your roles. If you need any help, or have any questions, you can contact Mark by email at [email protected].

In addition to the website, the Volunteer Centre can promote your roles via our bulletins and newsletters; through attendance at in-person events such as volunteer fairs; in 121 meetings with potential volunteers; through visits to various support organisations; drop-in events at local Job Centres; by posting to our social media platforms; and through our bi-weekly column in the Lancaster Guardian.

If you would like to discuss any of this, including having space in our Lancaster Guardian column, please contact Mark.

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Volunteering Opportunity Help Guide
We have produced a guide to help you when adding an opportunity to our website – It is quite detailed and covers every possible question. You don’t need to follow it but please do look at it if you get stuck or if it isn’t clear which option to choose when going through the form to add new opportunities.

You can now also add more users to your account. Once registered, log in, hover on Account at the top of the dashboard and click ‘Users’, where you can add more users. This will be useful if you would like someone else to check applicant info and contact potential volunteers.

You can also now choose which category to add your opportunity under, to help people when searching for roles. If you can’t find an appropriate category just use the ‘default’ category and let us know what categories you would like to see added.

Visit the guide here

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DBS Checks
We offer a DBS check service, working in partnership with Burnley, Pendle, and Rossendale CVS. If you need DBS certificates for your staff or volunteers, please visit our website here.

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Volunteering Opportunities

Chair of Governors at Lancaster & Morecambe College
The College seeks a new Chair of the Board of Governors, responsible for providing effective leadership of the Board in the discharge of its duties. This is significant voluntary role and applicants should be willing to attend monthly meetings and other College events regularly, with an average time commitment of circa 1-2 days per equivalent per month. No formal qualification is necessary.

For further information, please contact Oona Cushen, Governance Adviser on 01524 521238 or email [email protected]

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Volunteering Opportunities at Escape2Make
Workshop support volunteers are required for a number of exciting activities over November and December, at various locations. Ideally you’ll be somebody who is kind, inclusive and respectful, interested in working with young people, and can make all the workshop sessions in a series.

Pottery/Sculpture Workshops – 11/13/18/20 November and 9/17 December
Podcast our Past Workshops – 16/23/30 November and 7/14/17 December
Tattoo Art Workshops – 15/22/29 November and 13/17 December
Graphic Design Workshops – 11/18 November and 2/9/16/17 December
Virtual Reality Workshops – 11/13/20/27 November and 15/17 December
Portrait Art Workshops – 12 November and 17 December
Punk Rock Band in a Day Workshops – 16/17 December

Find out more about all these roles on the LDCVS website

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Secretary at Lancaster Canal Trust
The Trust’s main objective has been to restore, and reopen to navigation, the length of the canal from Tewitfield, just north of Carnforth, to Kendal. In addition, the Trust aims to increase awareness and promote interest amongst all users of this historic and beautiful waterway, be they boaters, walkers, cyclists, or anglers. As well as working towards full restoration, the Trust is committed to the ongoing maintenance of our existing heritage. Following the passing of our much missed volunteer and friend we are in desperate need of a Secretary – could this be you?

The Secretary is responsible for (among other tasks), the smooth and efficient running of the board, preparing agendas and minutes, dealing with correspondence, and making arrangements for reporting.

Find out more here

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SolidariTee Volunteer Lancaster Team
SolidariTee is an international charity run and led entirely by volunteers who are students and young people. The charity are working to make lasting change in the way refugees and other people forced to flee persecution and violence are treated, through a combination of awareness-raising, advocacy, and direct funding to grassroots NGOs providing vital refugee aid. As a member of the Lancaster team, you will be responsible for uniting your team and the wider student community to support refugee rights on your campus. This will involve organising events over the year (from panel discussions, to quizzes, to bake sales … whatever you like!) selling t-shirts (‘SolidariTees!’) over the year, and raising awareness via social media.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Multiple Roles with MS Society

Finance Volunteer
This role is crucial in maintaining and managing income and expenses, ensuring financial compliance, and facilitating clear financial communication within the group. The charity are looking for someone passionate about our cause, knowledgeable about MS, and comfortable with financial matters, preferably with an accounting or business background. Make a meaningful impact in your community by supporting those affected by MS.

Find out more about this role

Administration Volunteer
The MS Society team require an Administration Volunteer with the Lancaster, Morecambe, and District Group. As a key player for their local group’s activities, you’ll be the first point of contact, ensuring information flows smoothly among volunteers and members. Your role also involves maintaining essential data for data protection compliance. With an estimated commitment of about 2 hours a week, this flexible ongoing role offers you the chance to hone your administration and organisation skills while helping the local MS community thrive.

Find out more about this role

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Rockpool Roadie with The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery
Do you enjoy rockpooling and like chatting to people? Then our Rockpool Roadie role may be for you! The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery are looking for volunteers to collect snails, anemones, and crabs from the shore and take them in a ‘portable rockpool’ to people who would struggle to access nature, such as people in care homes. After the activity, you’ll then return the rockpool creatures to the shore. To get involved, sign up to one of the Rockpool Roadie training days on the 6th November or the 18th February, where we’ll practice collecting rockpool creatures, discover how to safely handle and transport them, learn about tide times, and more.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Winter Maintenance Coppicing of Trees, Fruit Bush Pruning at Claver Hill
Claver Hill are looking for volunteers to help with tree coppicing and fruit bush pruning. This project will begin once the leaves have come off the trees, the sap has gone down. There will be a training session given. Tools are supplied, but please bring gloves if you have them. Dress accordingly for the weather.

Get involved with this opportunity

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Cast and Crew for ‘Alien the Musical’ at West End Players
The West End Players CIC, who brought you fun and laughter with Aladdin Morecambe in February 2023 are now back with a new show and are looking for cast and crew for Alien The Musical on Thursday 22nd February (press night), Friday 23rd February and Saturday 24th February 2024 (performance).

Find out more about this opportunity

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Befriender with Let’s Befriends
Let’s Befriends are looking for volunteers as befrienders, to work with people who are homeless, recently rehoused or under threat of eviction.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Van Driver for the Well Communities
Well Communitities are looking for a van driver volunteer/s who can help assisting their community members to access the gym, take members to the Saturday hub in Lancaster and do our food collection from FareShare in Preston on Friday mornings.

Follow this link for more info

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Canteen Assistant at The Friendship Centre
The Friendship Centre are in need of a canteen assistant on a Monday, Wednesday’ or Friday. The charity are a social club for isolated over 55’s and offer classes and activities from 9.30 to 1pm. They have a modern kitchen with a 4 star food hygiene rating. The group have nearly 100 very friendly members and between 20 and 30 members attend each session. Training will be given if required.

Find out more about this role

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Marketing Officer with Beyond Radio
As a not for profit, volunteer organisation, the role of Marketing Officer with Beyond Radio is an important one and we are particularly keen to hear from volunteers with experience that can help us with a variation of marketing tasks from merchandising to social media.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Coordinator with The City of Sanctuary’s Bike Project
The City of Sanctuary Bike Project require a volunteer to coordinate a multitude of tasks such as getting bike donations, handling bike issues and requests along with bike repair appointment setting.

Find out more about this opportunity

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Bay Volunteers Opportunities
Bay Volunteers are offering various roles including the new role for a community group buddy!  

Do you have time during the week to support individual residents with things like shopping, Eggcup and prescription collections, telephone or in-person befriending, digital support, attending a community group with someone on a short-term basis, and more? 

  Bay Volunteers needs volunteers to take up either regular or one-off missions that you can pick and choose, carrying them out when and as often as it suits and fits in with you in a given week to support vulnerable members of our communities. Missions are made available to volunteers on a mobile app and website which is very easy to use, so you can choose which ones you can do. 

 Email: [email protected] 

Visit their website here for more information

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Volunteer Van Driver- Morecambe
The Well Communities are looking for a volunteer/s who can help assisting their community members to access the gym, take members to the Saturday hub in Lancaster and do their food collection from FareShare in Preston on Friday mornings.

If you like variety and want to meet new people, this could be the role for you! Their community relies on their volunteers to keep them running successfully.

Duties include:
Weekly Friday collection of food from Fareshare, Preston – Helping load and unload items for delivery (including bulky items) in line with their health and safety guidelines. This enables them to run their weekly food club for the community. 2-3 times a week (1.5hrs) – Transporting residents to local Salt Aye Gym, returning to the hub. Saturday – Transporting residents to their hub in Lancaster and collection, returning to the hub in Morecambe.

An opportunity to be part of The Well Communities CIC and the knowledge that you are making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Requirements:
A clean driving license and able to drive a 15-seater minibus.
Contribute to maintaining safe systems of work and a safe environment.
For an informal discussion please contact: Richard Hancock on 07444 907135 or Jo O’Brien on 07581 027413

For an application form, please contact Sarah Lunan – [email protected]

Visit their website here

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Lancaster Men’s Hub
Lancaster Men’s Hub support men of all ages in the Lancaster area with their physical and mental health through a wide variety of activities. They are looking for two volunteers to help in the kitchen during their Friday meals.

Kitchen Coordinator
This role will plan the weekly menu, buy food, and arrange a rota for cooking

Kitchen Assistant
This role will serve food and drinks, keep the cafe and kitchen area tidy, and conduct other kitchen duties.

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The Cornerstone
The Cornerstone is part of Lancaster Methodist Church and is a community of people working together to create a safe place in the city. They are currently looking for volunteers in the roles of Kitchen Assistant, Promotions & Social Media, and Administration Support/Fundraising.

Kitchen Assistant
Required between 10am and 3pm on Tuesdays for general kitchen duties.

Promotions & Social Media Lead
Design eye-catching leaflets and posters, and engage the community through social media.

Administration Support – Fundraising
Help with general office duties and complete funding applications.

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Home-Start Volunteers
Home-Start, who offer home-visiting support to local families are looking for more volunteers such as parents, carers or grandparents who feel they could spare 2 to3 hours a week to support a family. They provide training and also other training opportunities and are hoping to run their net course in September. If anyone is interested in this position, please contact Debra Dawkins, the Senior Coordinator of Home-Start to further discuss this role.

Tel: 01524 414871
Mob: 07939404194
Email: [email protected]

University of Cumbria Nursing
The University is now recruiting for their April 2023 cohort, including MSc Adult Nursing and MSc Mental Health Nursing degrees, open to graduates from any degree background.

Find out more by emailing [email protected] or by telephone on 01228 588 588

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ICB Self-Care Winter Communications Toolkit
Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB have shared a detailed winter communications toolkit. These are to make sure you are aware of good advice and support which you can share with your family, friends and neighbours and to use with your networks, groups or connections about how people can stay well this winter.

The release of the kit coincides with the forthcoming Self-Care Week, 13 – 19 November.

It includes social media posts, suggested copy for your own newsletters, and a set of PowerPoint slides for digital screens.

Download the posts and copy
Download the PowerPoint slides

For further information, contact the ICB’s engagement team by email at [email protected]

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Funding for non NHS-organisations for one-off payments
Eligible healthcare staff at non-NHS organisations such as charities, local authorities or social enterprises will benefit from government funding to cover the cost of their one-off payments as part of the NHS pay award

The government has agreed to provide additional funding for organisations with contracts to deliver NHS services, who employ their staff on dynamically linked Agenda for Change contracts.

Visit the Lancashire & South Cumbria VCFSE Alliance website to find out more

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Live Anatomy – Understanding Your Heart
Have you ever wondered how your heart works? Here’s your chance to find out!

Join The Bay Health Festivals in Morecambe on Friday 17 November for a live anatomy demonstration from Lancaster University Professor in Anatomy Adam Taylor.

Friday 17 November, 12.30pm at the Bay Community Hub, Arndale Centre
Find out more and book your free ticket

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LSCFT Supporting Men’s Health Month
Find out more about LSCFT’s work to support men’s mental health as part of the wider men’s health month agenda, including links to their specialist services.

Read more on the LSCFT website

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Healthwatch Lancashire Waiting for Wellness Report
Healthwatch Lancashire have recently published their latest project report ‘Waiting for Wellness’ which investigates people’s experiences of mental health and the accessibility of mental health services in Lancashire.

Feedback revealed that the main barrier to accessing NHS mental health support was the long waiting lists, leaving people feeling let down and unsure when they would receive support. Third sector/charitable organisations received a substantial amount of positive feedback, with people sharing that they were able to talk about their experiences and have the opportunity to socialise and take part in activities.

Healthwatch Lancashire have formulated a series of recommendations in response to the findings of this report for the attention of a number of service providers who provide mental health support in Lancashire.

Find out more and read the full report

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Health Documentary Film Festival with LA1 Docs
This event at the Health Innovation Campus at Lancaster University will explore health related topics such as mental health issues, race, future food sources and movement in the great outdoors. There will be documentaries focused on health and Q&A sessions with film makers and academic experts.

Friday 17 November, 6pm – 9pm

Find out more and book here

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Somatic Dance Fitness at Stanleys
Dancing can lead to better brain health, improved core strength and flexibility, reduced stress and depression, and greater energy, stamina, cardiovascular health and coordination!

The Somatic Dancing offered at these free sessions develops connections between mind, breathing, body and emotions, and is ideal for those suffering from muscular skeletal concerns, anxiety or depression. Sessions include clinical nutritional perspective coaching.

Thursdays, 1pm – 1.45pm at Stanleys Community Centre LA3 1UT.

Download the digital flyer to find out more.

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November Healthy Eating Workshops with Headway
Lunch at the Allotment workshops are a fantastic opportunity to participate in cooking, learn about healthy food choice, and – best of all – to eat a healthy meal.

Workshops take place from 11.15am at the Dorrington Road Allotments LA1 4TD, on 8, 15, 22 and 29 November.

Find out more by downloading the the digital poster or email Maria at [email protected]

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The Bay: A Blueprint for Recovery – New Heysham Session
The Bay : A Blueprint for Recovery is a free wellbeing programme for people in Morecambe Bay. In addition to larger events in the community, The Bay’s Nature and Wellbeing programme offers small-group sessions for adults, working on wellbeing, building confidence and connecting with nature over a series of 12 weekly sessions.

A new small-group session is starting in Heysham, based at Greenfingers Allotments on Smithy Lane. As well as doing activities including food growing and wildlife gardening on the allotment site, the group will explore the surrounding woodland and beach at Half Moon Bay. You can expect beach surveys, marine mindfulness, bushcraft and more! There will also be the opportunity to work towards a John Muir Discovery Award.

To join a Nature and Wellbeing session please complete the online referral form.

Once you’ve signed up, a member of the team will be in touch to talk more about your needs and answer any questions that you might have about the sessions. For more information, see the digital flyer, call 01772 872007 / 07738 102274 or email [email protected]

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Adult Additional Needs Sports Sessions
Join in with the Adult Additional Needs Sports sessions at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre. They offer a variety of activities to cater for individuals with different needs and abilities. From cycling with adapted bikes to boost physical, social, and emotional well-being, to football training and multi-sports sessions that promote teamwork and enjoyment. Join in on select weekdays during term time to connect, have fun, and improve your well-being.

All sessions are pay-as-you-go, so just turn up and participate.

Find out more about the sessions

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Bay Wellness Suicide Awareness Kit
The Bay Wellness Partnership, formed in collaboration with partners from the Bay area, is dedicated to improving colleague health and wellbeing across Morecambe Bay. They emphasise the importance of physical and mental fitness, especially during challenging times, and aim to empower colleagues to take ownership of their health and wellbeing.

The partnership’s recent focus has been on Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day recently. They have created a Suicide Awareness Toolkit to raise awareness and encourage support for those impacted by suicide, emphasising suicide prevention. The partnership is also promoting initiatives like the Zero Suicide Alliance and the Orange Button Scheme to reduce suicides across the Bay. Together, they aim to create “Suicide Safer Communities” and spread hope through action.

Access the toolkit and further info here

Healthwatch Lancashire Waiting for Wellness Phase 2
Healthwatch Lancashire have now launched a second phase of their Waiting for Wellness project (see report in the Health & Wellbeing section) to explore in more detail the experiences of young people’s mental health and accessing mental health support. They also want to hear from parents and/or carers about their experiences.

As well as a number of pop-up community engagement events which will be announced in due course, they would like young people and parents/carers to have their say by filling out surveys:

Young person’s survey
Parent/carer’s survey

To find out more, visit the Healthwatch Lancashire website.

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We Are With You – STAR, ASDAN Peer Mentoring & RisKit
STAR
STAR (Start Together Achieve Results) is a targeted 8-week treatment programme for young people with substance misuse issues. The programme will run in small groups of 2-6 people within school in weekly 1-hour sessions. 

After an individual assessment, risk assessment and care plan, the project will cover many areas of substance misuse such as personal experiences, goal setting and the laws around drug use and possession and to help identify triggers and developing strategies for reducing and managing substance use. 

For information see the programme overview or contact With You on 01772 281495 

ASDAN Peer Mentoring
This short course provides recognition for skills in mentoring and buddying younger people. It is open to young people of all abilities ages 13 – 18. A number of activities undertaken across five challenges leads to a ten hours certificate.

Find out more in the digital flyer

RisKit
RisKit is a multi-component risk reduction programme for young people who are vulnerable to risk taking behaviour including drug and alcohol use, early and unprotected sex and offending. The programme is aimed at 14-16 year olds, and although usually delivered in school can be used for anyone of this age group.

Find out more in the programme information pack

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Strawberry Fields – Engage to Progress & Outreach Support Service
Engage to Progress
This initiative provides an opportunity for people aged 16 and over and who are economically inactive to actively engage with the world of education, training and employment through facilitating and enhancing their employability.

Find out more in the digital leaflet, call 01524 874246 or 07765308183, or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Outreach Support Service
This is a targeted support service for those on the verge of leaving, or having already left, Local Authority Care – helping them develop a range of skills essential to their positive transition to independent living.

Find out more in the digital leaflet or contact Scot Davidson on 01524 874246 or 07818037929

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SAFE Update
Newly registered as a charity, SAFE continues to provide support for young people and adults experiencing mental health and other life challenges through their group provision across the district.

• Prop Up Project – held in Morecambe and Carnforth for those aged 13 – 19.
• Prop Up Project Young Adults’ Group – held in Morecambe for those aged 20 – 25
• Socialease – held in Morecambe and Lancaster for everyone aged over 18.

Groups have a creative focus and are intended to help people increase confidence and positively manage their mental health and wellbeing.

Professionals can make referrals using this form, returning it by email to [email protected]

Self-referral can be completed by email to [email protected] or by telephoning 07568 937988

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Get Ready for #iwill Week!
20th-24th November marks #iwill Week, where we’ll be celebrating 10 years of the #iwill movement. 10 years ago, in 2013, #iwill was founded to showcase the Power of Youth social action and encourage others to better involve young people in the decisions that are being made. Join us as we celebrate 10 years of #iwill and help build the Movement.

In the meantime, an Establishing Youth Voice report has been produced with how to guides that present insights and learning from an evaluation of youth voice practices and initiatives. It focuses on how to make young people’s voices heard and the impact youth voice has had on young people and communities.

The college will be commencing their Aspiring Leaders Programme with a session on Communication and Influence. This will cover effective ways to communicate, share your ideas persuasively, to inspire and move people to act. This programme will be delivered in 7 half day sessions at the Employer Hub, Lancaster & Morecambe College (remote delivery available).

For further information contact [email protected] or phone 01524 521223.

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Online Workshops regarding Energy and Fuel Poverty
For local organisations and community groups already planning for the winter ahead, the following workshops (provided by National Energy Action and the Centre for Sustainable Energy) may be of interest:

National Energy Action:

Community approaches to tackling fuel poverty
Wednesday 22nd November, 6pm – 7.15pm

Book online

Energy efficiency in your community building
Thursday 18th January 2024, 11am – 12.15pm

Book online

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Free Practitioner Training – Support Families Learn about Money
The Money and Pension Service (MAPS) are providing a free 90-minute workshop for practitioners working with families. It offers a new inclusive family approach to learning about money. The approach supports children aged 3-7 with diverse needs, including autism spectrum disorders and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. The training is funded by the Money and Pensions Service and delivered by Campaign for Learning.

By attending you will:

• Learn how to deliver an inclusive, differentiated and accessible financial education programme through rich learning experiences using Makaton, sensory icons, storytelling, songs, games and family activities
• Receive all the resources and tools you need to deliver the activities including facilitator’s guide, multimedia content, session plans and certificates

Find out more and book your funded place

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Foundation Training in Nonviolent Communication with Shona Cameron
Join renowned international NVC trainer Shona Cameron for a two-day learning experience in Nonviolent Communication (NVC). Shona Cameron is a Certified NVC Trainer and Assessor with CNVC.org and an active member of NVC UK. With extensive training under Dr. Marshall Rosenberg, she now leads NVC training sessions globally. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your communication skills and understanding of NVC principles with an expert in the field.

Date & time: Friday 17 and Saturday 18 November, 9.30am – 4.30pm
Venue: St Thomas Church, Lancaster

Find out more here

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Think Carbon Monoxide Workshops
This autumn The Gas Safe Charity is continuing its Think Carbon Monoxide (CO) awareness raising programme.

Help protect vulnerable people that you support by booking on to one of their free, hour long (9.30 – 10.30) and interactive Zoom workshops. You will learn about the sources, signs and symptoms of CO poisoning as well as what to do to help prevent the risks and some of the sources of support that exist for those people in fuel poverty.

Book on to one of the workshops

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Suicide Prevention – Funded Workshop
LDCVS has secured an additional Suicide Prevention workshop, as the first date offered is now full.

This half-day workshop provides learners with the confidence and tools to understand the impact of suicide and take someone who is experiencing thoughts of suicide from a place of danger and isolation to a place of safety and support, using a three-step ‘first aid’ approach.

This approach enables the suicide ‘first aider’ to identify the signs that someone may be experiencing thoughts of suicide, recognize the needs of that person, ask about suicide clearly and directly and use safety planning to empower the individual to find appropriate help.

The workshop is City and Guilds registered, delivered by a trainer registered with the National Centre for Suicide Prevention.

This is a funded course, with just a registration fee (£5 LDCVS members / £10 non-members, plus ticket and payment processing fees) to cover venue and refreshments costs.

5 December 2023, 9:15am – 12:30pm, St Thomas Church

Find out more and book

Catering Manager at Chadwick High School
The successful candidate will be managing the kitchen, designing menus and also sourcing best value for money in terms of freshness and nutrition for the meals – putting good food at the heart of the school.

Salary: £25,979 – £29,777
Contract: 25 hours per week, permanent
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 28 November

Find out more and apply

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Several roles at The Well Communities CIC
Visit The Well’s website to find out more about these jobs.

Project Lead, Recovery Steps Cumbria
The Project lead is responsible for supervising and guiding a team of dedicated professionals to ensure the effective delivery of recovery services to our clients, playing a crucial role in helping individuals on their journey to sobriety and long-term recovery.

Salary: £28,000
Contract: Full time, fixed term
Location: Westmorland & Furness
Closing Date: 17 November

12-Step Behaviour Change Facilitator / Supported Housing Colleague (female)
This role has a specific remit to work with an identified cohort of service users with multiple, complex needs, assisting in the provision of effective, high quality intensive housing management and support services to vulnerable individuals with little social or recovery capital.

Salary: £22,000
Contract: Full time, fixed term
Location: Morecambe
Closing Date: 20 November

Supported Housing Tenancy Sustainment Manager
This role plays a pivotal role in the success of our organization by overseeing the day-to-day operations of supported housing facilities, working closely with a team of support workers and administrative staff to ensure that residents receive the highest level of care and support.

Salary: £28,000
Contract: Full time, fixed term
Location: Carlisle
Closing Date: 20 November

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Community Liaison Officer at Lancaster District Homeless Action Service
This role will ensure that good relations are maintained with LDHAS’ neighbours, ensure that clients in the vicinity of the building are conducting themselves in an acceptable way, manage health and safety during opening hours and assist with facility management.

Salary: £26,421 – £28,700 per annum pro rata
Contract: Four hours per day Monday – Friday
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 1 December

Find out more and apply

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Home Energy Advisor (Green Doctor) at Groundwork
The Green Doctor will support those in need across Cumbria, Lancashire and the North East, engaging and offering practical support to people most at risk of fuel poverty, helping to make their homes more environmentally friendly and cheaper to run.

Salary: £22,928 – £25,822
Contract: Full-time (part-time also considered)
Location: Flexible locations across Westmoreland and Furness
Closing Date: 12 November

Find out more and apply

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Advocacy & Insight Manager at UCLAN Students’ Union
This role will lead and develop the Union’s Advocacy & Insight Team, providing the right tools and delivering the best support for students to advocate for change they want to see.

Salary: £29,753 – 32,512
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Preston
Closing Date: 20 November

Find out more and apply

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Cumbria Local Nature Partnership Manager
The purpose of the role is to support and drive the development and delivery of Cumbria’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy, by coordinating and facilitating partnerships.

Salary: £35,041
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Kendal
Closing Date: 19 November 2023

Find out more and apply

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Fundraising Officer (Grants & Foundations) at Cumbria Wildlife Trust
The Fundraising Officer will help maximise income from grants, charitable trusts, and corporate foundations & partnerships through excellent stewardship, and create a high-quality pipeline of new funding opportunities to reach the Trust’s aspirational organisational aims.

Salary: £29,834
Contract: Full time, permanent
Location: Kendal
Closing Date: 19 November 2023

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 DBS,
contact [email protected]

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

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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