Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 12 January 2023

Lancaster District Directory
On 22 December we were delighted to “soft launch” the Lancaster District Directory with an email to our stakeholders and colleagues in the voluntary and statutory sectors, inviting them to use this new resource to support communities over the Christmas and New Year holiday period. 

With the return to work for 2023 now fully upon us, we are working to promote directory.lancastercvs.org.uk far and wide across the district, making sure that it reaches everyone who stands to benefit from the platform. 

Over the next few weeks, we will be distributing thousands of promotional postcards and posters to a variety of locations including healthcare sites, local authority buildings, and all our voluntary sector organisations with a directory listing. 

You can also look forward to features in our local media, a social media campaign including graphics which we will distribute for you to use with your own accounts should you wish, and some new videos highlighting the features of the website. 

We’re also working to complete the process which integrates general practice staff into the project, meaning that before very long we will be receiving our first referrals and signposting people to support. Organisations that have indicated they would like to take digital referrals through the online platform will receive initial offers of training and support very soon.  

The project will continue to grow and develop through 2023, so if your organisation is already taking part, please do keep us up to date with your service information and send us your comments and suggestions.  

The directory is a shared resource among our members, partners and communities, so by working together we can make sure it becomes well-used across the district and continues to improve. If you’ve not yet claimed a listing, it’s never too late – just get in touch with Jenny by email at [email protected] or call 01524 555900.  

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Save the Date – Volunteer Fairs February 2023
In the first quarter of 2023 we will host two Volunteer Recruitment Fairs.

• Morecambe Library on Monday 6th February, 10.30am to 1.30pm.
• Lancaster Library on Thursday 23rd February, 10.30am to 1.30pm

These will be opportunities for local volunteer involving organisations to come along with their banners, leaflets, and other promotional materials to speak directly with people who are interested in volunteering. We will be inviting a variety of people from the local areas to come along and we hope that each will be a busy and worthwhile day.

Invitations to organisations will go out soon, but there is no need to wait – if you would like to book a space (it’s FREE) email [email protected].

We want to accommodate up to 15 organisations with tables at each event, but if you can’t attend on those dates or if you miss out on a space, you can still have your roles represented. Simply make sure that you are registered on our website, with your volunteering opportunities uploaded, and send electronic or hard copies of your promotional materials to Mark at Lancaster District CVS.

Lancaster Community Fund 4 Week Application Window
There are only four weeks left to submit applications for the next round of the Lancaster Community Fund. Lancaster City Council and Lancaster District CVS are inviting charity and community groups that need help with developing projects and activities that benefit people in the local area to apply. Grants of up to £1000 are available to non-profit organisations that can show their projects to be contributing in one of the following ways:

• Increases community involvement and building community wealth and resilience
• Contributing to carbon reduction and improving sustainability in the district
• Impacting individual or community wellbeing positively

Please note: We are also encouraging and prioritising applications that can demonstrate a focus on activities addressing the current cost of living crisis.

The application deadline for this round of funding is 10 February 2023, 5pm.

Visit our funding page for further guidance

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New £3m Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund Accepting Applications – Deadline of 20 January
Capital grants have become available for village halls in rural areas across England to enhance, upgrade, extend, improve, and construct halls so that, as a result, new activities can take place bringing communities together. The new £3 million Platinum Jubilee Village Halls Fund is provided by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and administered by the charity Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE).

Announced by Defra to mark the occasion of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in May 2022, the fund recognises the important role that village halls play in supporting rural communities. The £3 million funding pot offers grants of between £7,500 and £75,000 which will be 20% of eligible project costs. The total project cost can be more than £375,000 but the maximum grant available is £75,000. All project work must be completed by 31 March 2025.

The funding aims to support the modernisation and improvement of village halls, so that they are fit for purpose and can provide activities which seek to achieve one or more of their set criteria.

Read more about the criteria and funding application process

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Sport England Reopens Small Grants Programme
The Sport England Small Grants Programme has reopened with the aim to support local community sports projects that encourages people in England regardless of age, background or level of ability, to feel able to get involved in sport and physical activity. Grants of £300 to £15,000 are on offer for a twelve-month period to a variety of non-profit and community focussed organisations.

The application deadline is 30 June 2023

Learn more about this funding opportunity and how to apply

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Crowdfund Lancashire – Lancashire County Council | Spacehive
Funding is available via Crowdfund Lancashire brought together by Lancashire County Council and Spacehive.

Crowdfund Lancashire gives everyone a chance to create and support local culture and sport projects which matter most to them, while enabling everyone to contribute towards their community – chipping in as little as £2 to help bring ideas to life. If it matters to our communities, it matters to Lancashire County Council, who will support eligible projects with a pledge from the new £500,000 Lancashire Culture & Sport Fund (LCSF).

If you have an idea that will improve the culture or sport offer in your community, you could get up to £20,000 towards your target. To take part in the first funding round, pitch to the fund and launch your crowdfunding campaign on Spacehive by 1st February 2023.

Learn more about the fund and apply

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Money Saving Expert (MSE) Charity to Reopen in January 2023
Grants of up to £7,500 are available for UK not-for-profit organisations by the Money Saving Expert Charity. The MSE Charity gives grants to small to medium sized organisations that deliver activities which make a lasting impact on how people think, behave and manage their money.

The next round, which has been brought forward due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, will focus on Raising the Next Generation. Under this theme, projects should support the younger generation (under 25) to help them learn financial life skills and to grow during the difficult financial climate.

Work may include:

• School-based activities.
• Migrants.
• Lone parents.
• Victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
• Family outreach services.

This round is due to open at 9am on 3 January 2023.

For further information follow this link

Learn more about the MSE charity and funding opportunities

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New Fund Launching for Racial Justice and Mental Health Projects
Synergi is an England-wide programme of work which focuses on the intersection of racial justice and mental health. As part of the programme, there will be a small grants fund delivered by National Survivor User Network (NSUN).

One-year grants of £2,000 to £3,000 will be on offer to organisations which are:

• Led by and for Black people and people of colour.
• Led by and for people who have shared experiences or identities with those they are creating spaces for.
• Benefitting people or communities who live with mental ill-health, trauma, and distress.

The fund is intended to reach communities experiencing the most extreme forms of discrimination or injustice including the hostile environment, anti-transgender legislation and Prevent.

The fund will open on 4 January 2023 and close on 29 January 2023.

Read more about the fund and how to apply

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Amazon Literary Partnership Reopens for 2023
Amazon Literary Partnership has launched its fourth year of funding to provide grants to literary organisations that develop emerging writers, support diversity, celebrate storytelling, and/or build authors’ careers. 2023 grants are now being accepted from UK non-profit literary organisations. Funding is for innovative groups that amplify diverse voices, and strive for a lasting impact on writers’ lives, the literary and publishing communities, and the broader community.

The deadline for applications is 31 January 2023.

Discover more about the Amazon Literary Partnership

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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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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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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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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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£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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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

Energy Bills Discount Scheme – Government Announcement
The Government has announced a new Energy Bills Discount Scheme (EBDS) to run from 1 April 2023 for eligible non-domestic consumers in Great Britain including UK businesses, charities and the public sector. This replaces the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme for non-domestic customers, which comes to an end on 31 March 2023 and provided a reduction on wholesale gas and electricity prices. The new scheme will mean all eligible UK businesses and other non-domestic energy users will receive a discount on high energy bills until 31 March 2024.

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Funded Cyber Essentials Programme for Small Charities
This National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is helping organisations in sectors most at risk to implement baseline security controls and prevent the most common types of cyber attacks using the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme. The Funded Cyber Essentials Programme will seek to help UK organisations meet the five technical controls of  Cyber Essentials – firewalls, secure settings, access controls, malware and software updates – by identifying and implementing improvements that are right for the size and needs of the organisation. Small businesses that offer legal-aid services and micro or small charities that processes personal data (GDPR defined) qualify for this scheme.

Find out more about the Funded Cyber Essentials Programme

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Veterans UK New Online Claim Service
Veterans UK, part of Defence Business Services (DBS), has launched  a new online claim service to help people to access injury and illness compensation more easily. Veterans UK is responsible for administering compensation and pensions schemes for both serving personnel, veterans and their families.

View guidance on this new service

Read more about the new Energy Bills Discount Scheme

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Cost of Living Support Factsheet
With the ongoing cost-of-living challenges that we are faced with, the government have provided a helpful factsheet for supporting households including useful information covering benefits and cost-of-living payments, national living wage, energy price guarantees and more.

Follow this link to view the factsheet

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Third Sector Trends in England and Wales 2022
Earlier this year, we asked our members to complete the Third Sector survey. Third Sector Trends has been running since 2008. The study has been surveying the sector every three years since 2010 and as such is the largest survey of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in England and Wales.

In 2022, 6,071 responses were received across England and Wales (an average of ~600 responses in each region). Designed to complement NCVOs UK Civil Society Almanac, it is the only fully representative longitudinal survey which can produce robust and detailed comparative analysis at a regional and national level.

First Report – Structure, Purpose, Energy and Impact of the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Sector in England and Wales.

The first report provides comparative analysis of regions, types of organisations and different kinds of localities. Download the report here

Reflecting on the figures from the report, Rob Williamson Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said:

“This first report clearly shows the importance of the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector in terms of size and employment in England and Wales. We already know the sector is the glue that holds society together by providing help and support to many in need but at a basic level it employs and pays tens of thousands of people and puts millions into local economies. Without it we would be poorer in so many ways.”

“The vital role the sector plays is why we at the Community Foundation have set up a cost-of-living fund to support organisations which may be struggling with the double whammy of increasing demand and increasing costs.”

Second Report – Employees, Volunteers, Diversity and Investment in People fo the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise Sector in England and Wales

Below is the link to the second report which has been recently published. This provides new comparative analysis on patterns of employment and regular volunteering, recruitment and retention, diversity in sector leadership and investment in people in England and Wales. The research was funded by Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, Power to Change, Barrow Cadbury Trust and Millfield House Foundation. Download the report here

The findings from this report indicate that employers in the Third Sector 27 are facing serious staffing challenges. The research also shows that support from regular volunteers has declined – especially amongst older volunteers and those who joined them during the Coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, this report concludes with some speculative observations on the causes and consequences of recruitment and retention problems which may warrant urgent action from organisational leaders.

What this report shows, is that making sweeping generalisations about the dynamics of the Third Sector are unwise. This is because the sector works in different ways, depending upon where organisations are based, how big they are and what they hope to achieve. It is anticipated that four more Third Sector Trends reports will be published over the coming months to explore the data in more depth. These reports will also draw on trend analysis from previous rounds of the study.

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Family Learning Awards Now Open
In it’s second year running, applications are now open for the Family Learning Awards.  Any UK organisation working with families can apply including libraries, museums, community education, schools, 3rd sector organisations and tech companies. The award recognises any activities/events/initiatives that took place between October 2021- October 2022. Activities/events/initiatives may have started before or be continuing after those dates.

The Family Learning Awards from Campaign for Learning celebrate creative, innovative and inclusive learning. This year there are four categories in which you can enter your family learning activity, event or initiative. These are:

• Family Learning in the Early Years Award
• Award for Family Learning to Support Financial Resilience
• Award for Family Learning to Support Health and Wellbeing
• Award for Family Learning to Support STEM 

The awards are free to enter and close on 31 January 2023.

Find out more about the awards.

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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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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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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]

FREE Transport Service to Growing Well
The well-respected mental health charity and horticultural enterprise Growing Well are now offering a no charge minibus service from the Lancaster District for day visits to their organic vegetable farm, just off the M6 near Kendal.  Pick-ups are available from Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth and Milnthorpe. The mental health charity provide a hands-on activity-therapy focussed service where you can find help in rebuilding confidence, learn new skills and meet new life goals. 

For more information on their free minibus service contact the team by email at  [email protected] or phone 07903 013 648.

View the Growing Well e-leaflet to learn more

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Bay Health & Care Partners – Looking after yourself over Winter
Bay Health & Care Partners have provided a useful guide to looking after yourself during the winter months. With shorter days and drops in temperature, pressures increase across the healthcare system. Promoting local support throughout the winter period, BHCP offer top five ways to look after yourself and your loved ones from managing your heating at home to financial support.

Read more about their guidance over Winter

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Become a Citizen Panel Member
Bay Health and Care Partners are looking for participants in Lancashire and South Cumbria to share their views and experiences to help develop and improve services locally. The Citizen Panel membership scheme is an exciting way to have your say and influence decision-making on a whole range of health services that are important to people in Lancashire and South Cumbria.

Complete this form to become a member

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NHSE Health & Wellbeing Support
The NHSE Social Prescribing team evaluate the value of all the national health and wellbeing offers made available to their NHS colleagues. Access to the following support has been continued for this year, which includes guides, apps and resources that aim to support you and your team’s wellbeing.

Discover more about the support available

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Renaissance UK and National HIV Testing Week – Request for Help
Renaissance UK, the commissioned service by Lancashire County Council, that provide HIV Prevention and support service for Lancashire, are looking to bring awareness of the disease and a preventative pill called PrEP, which is free and confidential from sexual health clinics.

The service will be bring their redesigned exhibition van in partnership with the NHS to the Lancaster District during National HIV testing week (6th February to 12th February), to promote the awareness of the medicine PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis). This is a new opportunity for outreach work within communities and raising awareness in the county.

The team are looking for support with a provision of a space to park the van to provide maximum impact for the campaign.  If you are interested in supporting this cause and are able to provide parking space in a suitable location, please contact Jane at Renaisance UK at [email protected] if you can help.

Learn more about PrEP here or for more information on the work of Renaissance UK click here

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NHSE Guidance on Strep A
In response to rising demand as a result of Strep A infections, NHSE ran a webinar to share information with the VCSE.  They are keen to engage communities and community organisations to share accurate information about the risks, and about when and how to seek medical help.

Key points from the webinar:

• Despite rumours, there is not a general shortage of antibiotics used to treat Strep A and other conditions;
• Children who have received the influenza vaccine are not more vulnerable to Strep A;
• Having the flu can make children more vulnerable to invasive Strep A and so the flu vaccine can reduce vulnerability;
• There has been a 30% increase in 111 calls, many from carers concerned for their children about Strep A, which has contributed to delays. Callers are encouraged to stay on the line until connected as this can save them a visit to the GP later.

General information with instructions on what to do if is concerned for a child.

More information about the recent bout of Strep A cases in children

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Out in the Bay Winter Warmer
Out in the Bay are running a Winter Warmer every Tuesday from 12-6pm.  Join the LGBT support group at 30-32 Claremont Road for a warm meal and a chat.

View their e-leaflet here

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PPE Packs Offer
With the continued presence of communicable diseases/viruses this winter, PPE Packs are being provided by Lancashire County Council’s Public Health Team. This PPE Pack is free of charge, and will be made up of common PPE items to assist with responding to increase Infection Control Protocols.

If you would like to place an order, please find the order form download here. It is advised that you indicate the size of pack you require (basing this on the size of your setting.) You are able to order more than one pack if you have a number of sites within Lancashire, which must be listed on the order form.

The order form will need to be sent to [email protected] who will respond to your email and aim to deliver within 48 hours. All Packs are pre-made but will be subject to availability. All packs are non-returnable, there will be no provision to return items not used, so it is urged that you choose the correct size for your settings to reduce wastage.

If you have any faulty items please report them to [email protected]

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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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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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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.

Making Sense of Digital Support options for Better Youth Mental Health Webinar
BFB Labs are hosting a virtual webinar on how digital health technologies (DHT) can support children and young people’s (CYP) mental health services, in the face of increasing levels of complexity and acuity in cases. This webinar aims to unpack the challenges of commissioning DHT’s to support CYP mental health and examine real world experiences and learnings when embedding digital health technologies.

Learn more about how to register for this event

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Community-Based Research Capacity Building Project – Burnley 
Are you curious and/or critical about community-based research undertaken in relation to issues facing Sanctuary Seekers (Refugees and Asylum Seekers)? For example, how a project goes; who is involved and how; what outcomes are intended, and realised?  Maybe you are interested in getting involved in community-facing, community-based research, and want to know more.

A University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) based research team are inviting you to attend their second event in Lancashire to share experiences and insights into the challenges and opportunities for community-based research, with a view to building better understanding and capacity for future research for all those involved and interested. At this meeting you will have the chance to connect with others with similar interests. 

This event will take place in Burnley on Wednesday 25^th January 2023, 1-4pm.

Find out more and reserve a place

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Basic Drug & Alcohol Awareness Sessions
We are Lancashire for Young People are running free online workshops for anyone working with those under 25. The session will be roughly 2 hours long, interactive and fun. You will learn a little more about the services that are available at We Are With You in Lancashire and will talk about current themes and trends.

The group will look at some of the reasons why young people use substances, risks and some harm reduction messages. You will also gain access to their Tier 1 resource booklet & drug use screening tool which includes practical information and worksheets, useful when working with young people.

Sessions dates include:

• Thursday February 2^nd 2023, 10am
• Thursday March 2^nd 2023, 10am
• Thursday April 6^th 2023, 10am

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Lancashire LGBT Manspace Online Support Group
Lancashire LGBT are hosting an online support group via Zoom for 18+ year old men who identify as gay, bisexual, trans or transmasculine non-binary.

To join the group completion of the following registration form is required.  

View their event e-flyer here

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Mental Health First Aid Training
Mental Health First Aid training dates are now available to book on to for professionals working with young people from the Lancaster and Morecambe area.

MHFA for self harming behaviours and suicidal thoughts – MS Teams – 10 places available on each session 

Friday 20th January 9-11:30am 
Thursday 16th March 12:30-3pm 

Youth MHFA – face to face 2 day course – Lancaster – 16 places available 

Thursday 9th and Friday 10th March 
Please contact Sam at [email protected] to book a place.

View the Mental Health Champions Pathways Guidance Document for Schools and Partner Agency Professionals

More information on the Lancaster & Morecambe CAMHS Primary Mental Health Workers & local Mental Health Champions Network

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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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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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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]

Board of Trustees & Chair – Ludus Dance
Do you share our belief that dance is a tool which can empower children and young people and improve their lives? Based in Lancaster and working across the Northwest, Ludus Dance are working to make access to dance more equitable in the locale and wider region.

They are looking for someone with an academic/professional or personal interest in the following areas:

• The arts & childhood development;
• The arts & its impact on the mental health of children and young people;
• Personal and social vulnerability, isolation & displacement and the role arts can play in improving wellbeing

In addition, the following areas of expertise may be of particular benefit:

• Experience within the public sector: Police, NHS, Social Care, Youth Work, Arts & Culture, Education
• Being a parent, guardian, carer, or young person
• Charitable Fundraising and developing strategic partnerships
• Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility

If you would like to join their team as a trustee and to share your knowledge and expertise please view their recruitment pack for more information.

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RSPB Job Opportunities

Senior Programme Manager
RSPB are looking for a skilled programme manager to lead their land acquisition programme, oversee the management of land-related risks and ensure that they have effective systems for managing the finances of their estate.

Salary: £42,768 – £47,446
Contract: Permanent, Full-time
Location: Lancaster, Lancashire
Closing Date: 27 January 2023, 23.59

Visitor Experience and Events Area Consultant
RSPB are looking for someone who will provide leadership in the visitor experience, ensuring a world-class offer across RSPB nature reserves for everyone. The post holder will support reserve teams to enhance their visitor offer.  They will be expected to deliver their strategic aims and set the expected standards on reserves for visitor experience providing direction and support to underpin a high-quality visitor offer and a consistent experience – leading on profitability, experience, exemplary customer service and infrastructure.

Salary: £28,420- £31,529 per annum
Contract: Flexible – WFH
Location: Hybrid in North England – Carnforth, Lancashire
Closing Date: 27 January 2023, 23.59

Find out more about this role and apply

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Fundraising Relationship Manager –  Trinity Hospice
Trinity Hospice & Brian House Children’s Hospice are actively seeking a Fundraising Relationship Manager to enhance their highly-successful fund raising team. The purpose of the job will be to lead and develop their newly formed Fundraising Relationship Team, creating a new strategy to maximise income generation from corporate and community supporters, build strong working partnerships with local businesses and community groups and contribute towards annual team targets as well as line manage a small team of fundraisers.

Salary: £31,500-£33,00
Contract: 37 hours per week with some evenings and weekends hours required
Location: Hybrid – a mix of office time with some homeworking
Closing Date: 3 February 2023, 23.59

Find out more about this role and apply

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Preston Domestic Violence Services Roles
The Charity organisation Preston Domestic Violence Services are seeking a BAME Outreach Support Worker and Outreach Support Worker to join their team. Please note these positions are open to women only.  

BAME Outreach Support Worker
PDVS are looking for a support worker to provide support services for BAME victims of domestic violence and abuse including group interventions.

Salary: 15,834 actual (£23,434 pro-rata)
Contract: 25 hours per week
Location: A combination of in the office (located at Harbour House, Port Way) and in the community including some home visits
Closing Date: Mon 23^rd January 2023, 4pm
Interview date: Weds 1^st February 2023

Find out more about this role and how to apply

Outreach Support Worker
PDVS are recruiting for a community based support worker to provide individual outreach support for victims of domestic violence and abuse.

Salary: 11,400 actual per annum (£23,434 pro-rata)
Contract: 18 hours per week
Location: A combination of in the office (located at Harbour House, Port Way) and some community work
Closing Date: Mon 23^rd January 2023, 4pm
Interview date: Weds 1^st February 2023

Find out more about this role and how to apply

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Paid positions with FoodFutures
FoodFutures Fundraiser (freelance position)
FoodFutures are looking to recruit a fundraiser to provide as-needed funding advice and support for priority FoodFutures projects, lead on the delivery of the Strategic Fundraising Plan and by extension, their Our Food Futures strategy.

Salary: £15.75 per hour
Contract: As required / Max 30 hours per month
Location: Lancaster/ The Storey Institute and homeworking
Closing Date: 27^h January 2023

Find out more and apply

FoodFutures Network Builder & Facilitator
FoodFutures are looking for a Network Builder & Facilitator to work with the FoodFutures coordinator and the Communications and Engagement Working Group to develop a Local Food Champion Network; grow the FoodFriends scheme to reach 500 members; develop a business and enterprise network aligned with the Good Food Manifesto.

Application deadline: Friday 27th January 2023

Salary: £25,350 (37.50 hours for full time) pro rata
Pro-rata for 22 hours per week, £14,929
Contract: 22.5 hours pw. A one year fixed term contract, with intention to extend if funding secured.
Location: Lancaster
Closing Date: 28th January 2023

Find out more about this role and apply

Closing Loops REconomy Coordinator
FoodFutures are seeking a Reconomy Coordinator for their ongoing Closing Loops project.  The purpose of the job is to coordinate and oversee the delivery of the REconomy element of work in the Closing Loops project and support the development of a regenerative economy in North Lancashire.

Salary: £15,210 (22.5 hours a week) equivalent to £25,350 (37.5 hours for full time) pro rata.
Contract: 22.5 hours pw starting April 2023 / 4 year fixed term / Some evenings and weekends required
Location: Lancaster/ The Storey Institute and homeworking
Closing Date: 27^th January 2023

Find out more and 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

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]