Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 14 October 2022

Financial Crisis and Energy Cost Survey
We are aware that some groups and organisations which rent or own premises are seeing a large increase in their energy bills and in their operational costs.

If your group/organisation supports people across Lancaster District, we would like to hear your experience of rising costs and how this is affecting your services by completing our short survey.

We know that many of you are already seeing increased service user demand due to the overall financial crisis.

Through this short anonymous survey, your help will help us to gather local evidence to assist us in raising awareness of the growing financial pressures. This collective evidence will help us to:

• To understand your needs so we can help support you better.
• Ask local and national funders how they intend to respond to support rising costs.
• Feed into local strategic meetings to ensure the sector situation is understood.
• Back up campaign work alongside other local and national infrastructure organisations.
• Lobby central government.

This survey will be ongoing and remain open for responses until further notice. You can begin completing the survey by clicking here.

The Lancaster Community Fund 2nd Round Open – 4 week Application Window
The LCF second round is now open with four weeks in which to apply. The LCF provides grants of up to £1000 for projects across three main priorities:

• Projects that increase community involvement, build community wealth and resilience.
• Projects that contribute towards carbon reduction and a more sustainable district.
• Projects that contribute to individual and community wellbeing

Deadlines upcoming for 2022/23 are 11 November 2022 and 10 February 2023.

For the rounds closing in November 2022 and February 2023 we are also encouraging and prioritising applications that can demonstrate a focus on activities addressing the current cost of living crisis. More information about this can be found in the guidance notes.

For further information and application details

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The Youth Foundation Offering Grants for Research and Innovation
The new Community Knowledge Fund is making grants worth £10k and £100k available to community groups and organisations around the UK to support them to play a stronger role in research and innovation. Funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Community Knowledge Fund seeks to foster stronger community connections to research and knowledge sharing, with a focus on the following two themes:

• Community safety and resilience
• Environment and sustainability

The deadline for application is 7 November 2022

For more information and how to apply

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Lloyds Bank Foundation Announces New Strategy 2022-26
The Lloyds Bank Foundation has announced it’s new strategy for the next four years partnering with small and local charities, people and communities towards a more just and compassionate society. As part of it’s ongoing mission to address widespread systemic inequality, Lloyd’s Bank Foundation has released it’s ‘Building a Better Future’ strategy around the following core objectives:

• To support small and local charities making a real difference to people’s lives.
• To support collaboration between charities and their partners to collaborate so they can strengthen communities and shape policies, structure and society.
• To influence practice and policy locally, regionally and nationally to tackle the causes and consequences of complex issues and the barriers people face.
• To work effectively and efficiently to maximise impact, resources, opportunity and power.

Three-year grants totalling up to £75,000 will be available, with organisations able to use this as they see best.

Read their New 2022-26 Strategy here

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#iwill Fund Offering Next Round of Youth Social Action Grants
The #iwill fund has now offered the next round of funding to allow young people the chance to make a difference in their communities.  Made possible by a £66 million joint investment from the National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), the #iwill Fund is a UK-wide initiative aimed at empowering young people aged 10 to 14. Now in its third year, the purpose of the #iwill Fund is to create opportunities for young people to get involved in social action by developing their skills and potential, and in their communities where they gain the confidence to make a positive contribution.

More information at the UK Community Foundation website

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Rookhow Retreat Away Fund Round 4 Deadline

The Quaker charity Rookhow are inviting new applications and still considering previous applicants for their upcoming Round 4 deadline on the 15^th November 2022. The Rookhow Retreat is in the quiet Rusland Valley, 15 minutes from Ulverston and consists of a 16 bed bunkbarn, historic Meeting House for group space, a yurt in the woods and 2 campfires set in 12 acres of magical oak woodland. The charity’s ‘Retreat Away Fund’ subsidises residential and therapeutic work with people with mental health problems.

The fund would pay for part (or all) of your accommodation costs (£420 per night sole use / £460 in 2023 or £120 per day for just the use of Meeting House and woodland.)

You can apply for 100%/ 75%/ 50% or 25% funding

Learn more about their funding offer and how to apply

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Grant applications for British Science Week 2023 Now Open
The Community Grants scheme is offering grants of between £500-£1,000 for community groups working directly with audiences that are traditionally underrepresented in science. Is your community group keen to run an activity during British Science Week? The CG scheme is all about helping you to engage your audiences with science in ways that are tailor-made for them. Supported by UK Research and Innovation, the grants will help community groups run their own events and activities for British Science Week, expanding the number of people who enjoy and take part in science.

Learn more about the scheme, eligibility and application

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Comic Relief Community Fund Announces Next Round
Non-profit groups across England will soon be able to apply for the second round of Comic Relief’s Community Fund, administered by Groundwork. The new fund is managed on behalf of Comic Relief to provide grants of up to £10,000 supporting project delivery and organisation capacity building, helping organisations flourish. Applications will be funded from grass roots, community led organisations that can demonstrate how people with lived experience of the issues being tackled are involved in the organisation and the project.

Applications must sit within one of the four key themes:

• A Safe Place To Be: Supporting people to rebuild their lives because of homelessness or forced migration.
• Children Survive & Thrive: Supporting children up to the age of 11 to grow, play and learn.
• Gender Justice: Championing those who identify as women and girls, including initiatives tackling domestic violence, abuse or exploitation.
• Mental Health Matters: Supporting good mental health in communities and tackling stigma and discrimination

Learn more about the Comic Relief Community Fund

For more on how to apply

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ENWL Storm Arwen Community Resilience Fund
Electricity North West Limited have provided grants to support those affected by storm Arwen in parts of Cumbria and Lancashire in 2021. The funding is to help these areas be better prepared for and more resilient to future emergency and/or extreme weather. You must check postcode eligibility and be part of a local volunteer-led organisation, not-for profit community organisation, a local registered charity or part of the parish council. Grants will normally be between £1,000 and £10,000 over one year with exceptional circumstances grants of up to £15,000 may be considered.

Find out more

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Wave 2 of the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund for England Now Open
Local authorities, combined authorities nd registered providers of social housing can now apply for funding to improve the energy performance of their social homes. The Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF) has been established to upgrade a significant amount of the social housing stock currently below Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) C up to that standard. The Fund aims to support the installation of energy performance measures in social homes in England, and help:

• Deliver warm, energy-efficient homes
• Reduce carbon emissions
• Tackle fuel poverty
• Support green jobs
• Develop the retrofit sector
• Improve the comfort, health and wellbeing of social housing tenants

The competition will allocate up to £800 million of funding .

The Wave 2.1 competition has now been launched.  It closes on 18 November 2022.  The submission of applications will open at least five working days before the close of the competition.

Apply for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund: Wave 2.1

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Clarion Futures invites applications for Youth Project Grants
Funding grants of £1,000 to £5,000  have become available for non-profit groups supporting Clarion Housing residents and the wider community.  The Youth Project Fund aims to empower young people aged 25 and under, support their health and wellbeing and improve access to opportunities and education.

Read more on their application guidance

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Hubbub Foundation Offering Grants to Develop Community Food Hubs
Community Fridges bring people together around good food. Across the UK they are reducing social isolation, increasing access to skills, sharing knowledge and repurposing fresh (surplus) food. As part of its partnership with the Co-op, Starbucks Foundation and Rothschild Foundation, Hubbub will be launching a new Community Fridge Food Hub Fund to expand community-based food activity provision.

Constituted non-profit organisations in the UK can apply for the funding providing they:

• Are operating a Community Fridge which is currently open to the public.
• Are registered members of the Community Fridge Network.
• 50 grants of £6,000 will be available to cover activities which fall into at least one of the following categories:
• Skills – providing access to training and knowledge-building activities.
• Affordable food – supporting collaborative purchasing and/or local food retail.
• Community Connection – providing opportunities for communities to come together around food.
• Growing – increasing the amount of food grown locally.

Funding applications will close at 23:59 on 7^th November 2022

To find out more on the fund and to application click here

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Fairer Future Plan to Re-open for applications
The Esmee Fairbairn Foundation has now announced the Fairer Future grants stream will once again be accepting applications from 12^th October 2022. The foundation have planned a series of Q&A webinars where the team will share more about their approach and how they make decisions:

• Arts and creativity making change – 17^th October, 2-3pm
• Children and young people’s rights – 31 October, 2-3pm
• Racial, Gender and Migrant justice – 3^rd November, 11am-12.30pm

Find out more about their strategy and upcoming webinars

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Community Wealth Fund Consultation
Hopefully, by now, you will have heard that the Community Wealth Fund is being considered by the UK Government as an option to receive hundreds of millions of pounds of dormant assets funding.

If successful, this would mean long-term, community-led investment for the people and places that need it most.

To make the Community Wealth Fund a reality, the fund’s partner need as many voices as possible to take part in the current Dormant Assets Consultation – which closes on the 9th October.

Find out more here

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Ørsted’s Community Benefit Funds
The next closing dates for the Walney Extension Community Fund have now been published. Rounds will end on 6 January 2023 (decisions at the end of March 2023) and 21 June 2023 (decisions early September 2023).

Grants from £500 to £50,000 are available for projects taking place in coastal communities.

Find out more and apply.

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Rosa Open for Applications for Campaigning and Influencing Work
Rosa are currently offering funding from the Voices from the Frontline fund to enable women and girls to use their voices to achieve change. The fund offers one-year grants of between £500 and £7,000 to support campaigning and influencing work. Women’s sector voluntary and community organisations in the UK are eligible to apply, provided they are constituted and run by, for and with women. There is a critical need for funding for women’s and girls’ organisations to deliver activism and campaigning, particularly at the grassroots, and to raise awareness of the issues they face.

Application deadline is 4pm on Thursday 3^rd November 2022

Learn more about Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline fund and application

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FCC Communities Action Fund for England Opens for Autumn Applications
The FCC Communities Foundation are awarding grants to community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment through the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF). Through the Community Action Fund, grants of £2,000 to £100,000 are available for projects with a maximum total project cost of £500,000. The FCC Community Action Fund provides grants to not-for-profit organisations for amenity projects eligible under Object D of the Landfill Communities Fund.  For your application to be accepted, projects need to be sited within 10miles of an eligible FCC Environment waste facility.

For more on eligibility and application

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Kellogg’s Support for School Breakfast Clubs
Kellogg’s, in partnership with Forever Manchester, is offering grants of up to £1,000 to schools in the UK to set up Breakfast clubs for those children in most need. A limited number of grants are available so priority will be given to schools that have either 35% and above children eligible for pupil premium funding and / or eligible for free school meals. In addition to this schools that are based in an area which is classified as falling in the 10% of most deprived areas according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

For breakfast club support, apply for funding today

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Triangle Trust 1949 Fund Opens for Young Offender Employment Project Applications
The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund is currently accepting applications from across the UK for projects that work with young people with criminal convictions (up to the age of 25) to find meaningful and secure employment. Grants of up to £60,000 over two years are available to groups with an income of less than £1.5 million over the past three years. 

A maximum of £300,000 per year can be requested. Priority will be given to proposals that provide specialist support to target those who are particularly disadvantaged, such as young people from BAME communities, young women and girl, and young people who have been looked after.

The deadline application for this is 28 October 2022 (12pm)

Read more on the Triangle Trust 1949 Fund and how to apply

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Asda Foundation Offers Cost of Living Grant to Local Groups Across the UK
The Asda Foundation have offered funding support to local community groups who are facing an increase in their running costs (rent, utilities and food costs) between September 2022 and February 2023. With the rising cost of living and its impact on the communities, the cost of living grant is open to groups to help with the situation. The new Cost of Living Grant will provide grants of between £500 and £2,000 for activities taking place before 28 February 2023. The Asda superstores each have a Community Champion whose role is to support groups and projects within the community, as well as manage Asda Foundation grant applications. 

Applications will be accepted by Asda Community Champions the week commencing 19 September 2022 until the budget cap is reached (estimated to be February 2023).

Learn more about the Asda Foundation grants and applications

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Community Health Champions Fund – 2 Further Rounds for Funding
A further opportunity for funding has come around for all community groups, charities, faith and social enterprises in the district for grant funding to run health and wellbeing activities within their communities. The Community Health Champions Fund aims to help create education opportunities within the community to promote healthy behaviours, including COVID-19 vaccines and reduce health inequalities across the district. Organisations can apply for grants between £500 and £10,000 to run project and events supporting this aim.

An additional round and deadline for applications the 31st October 2022 by 5pm.

Please follow this link for further information and application

For further guidance on funding eligibility and applications please contact Sharon Phillips at [email protected]

NCVO & FSI Partnership – The New Home for the Small Charities Coalition
Since the winding down of the Small Charities Coalition earlier this year, the collaboration of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) and the Foundation for Social Improvement (FSI) has continued to maintain the SCC Helpdesk and it’s key services. This means that Small charities can still access vital help and support from the partnership. This invaluable service provides a number of available resources accessible for those already operating in the third sector as well as individuals or groups looking to set up a charity from scratch.

Small AND Mighty – A report on the life and legacy of the Small Charities Coalition

A report has been written that provides a useful insight into it’s 14 year journey, organisational lessons and learnings and celebration of the practical and strategic recommendations that small charities can embrace moving forward.

Read the full report here

Charity Set Up Support Tool

Following a pitch to take on take on hosting the helpdesk by the organisations invited by the SCC trustees, six strong proposals were brought to the table and the joint proposal of the FSI and NCVO represented the best outcome. With the collaboration, a number of services and assets will be transferred. Alongside the transfer of one full-time staff member from the SCC, resource hub and data provision a charity set up support tool will be available. 

As part of the partnership, this tool will continue to be used to ensure charities get the support they need.  This FREE to use set up tool will help guide you through the logistics of setting up a charity in simple steps.

Looking to make a difference in the world? Take that step and get started today!

Visit the Charity set up support tool here.

Cost of Living Help and Guidance

With the cost of living crisis affecting charities whether large or small, and with demand for support increasing yet resources limited the NCVO provide guidance to help your charity work efficiently and effectively through these challenging times. The NCVO offer a wealth of support and information online from financial advice to policy and influencing.

Learn more about their cost of living online resource

Call on Government to Provide Urgent Financial Support to Communities

With the cost of living crisis impacting communities pushing many into poverty and desperation, voluntary sector partners have provided a joint statement request to government to support during these challenging times. With inflationary pressures increasing and no time to recover post pandemic, organisations are taking all measures in order to survive, including selling essential community facilities because they’re struggling to afford to remain open. From food banks working flat out to mental health charities being stretched to the limit, this joint statement looks at the key areas concerned.

Read the cost of living joint statement here

NCVO & FSI Membership

NCVO are the membership community for charities, voluntary organisations and community groups in England.  Becoming a member provides a number of benefits such as access to a wide range of tools and resources, exclusive member events, help with compliant law and more.

For more information on how to become an NCVO member

FSI is a registered charity that supports the UK vibrant small charity sector through the delivery of free advice and heavily subscribed training in strategy, governance, fundraising and impact. FSI also delivery bespoke consultancy and training packages. Membership is free for small charities.

For more information on becoming a FSI member

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CILIP Research Best Practice for Warm Hub Set Up 
With the colder days drawing in and the cost of living crisis looking to persist through the winter months, the idea of warm hubs has increasingly received a warm welcome. Setting up a warm space in your community for those having to face making the choice between heating or eating could be an important lifeline.  The Library and Information Association CILIP have researched and collated best practice information on how to do it and this document may prove useful for those looking to set one up locally.

Read more on their findings

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Charity Sector Responds to Mini Budget
As the third sector braces itself for an increase in demand for services this winter, the recent fiscal event offers limited help to organisations but little for individuals in need. The charity sector has given a mixed response to last week’s mini Budget, welcoming measures to support Gift Aid but warning that some changes will put further pressure on the sector still reeling from the pandemic and facing rising demand due to the escalating cost-of-living crisis…

Read more at ICAEW Insights

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Centre for Sustainable Energy DIY Survey
This document guides you through an energy audit of your community building so that you can identify the most effective options for energy efficiency improvements. It’s essentially a checklist combined with guidance notes.

You can use it as the basis for a carbon reduction plan for the building (which could include a whole range of free, low cost and higher cost measures) and / or to decide what improvements you want to install and / or to identify measures you may be able to obtain funding for.

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HelpFilm – free or low cost films and animations for charities
HelpFilm use private sponsorship to pay professional filmmakers and editors to make films for charities with income under £3 million who would not usually able to be in the position to produce this type of content.

Optionally, charities can choose to pay 10% of the film’s total cost in order to help further production.

Find out more at helpfilm.org

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Living Wage Foundation New Rates
The Living Wage Foundation has announced their new recommended rates for the real living wage – the only wage rate independently calculated based on rising living costs.

Outside London, the Living Wage is now set at £10.90 an hour, which over 11,000 employers – including LDCVS – have committed to pay or exceed as Living Wage Employers.

Find out more about the new rates and the Living Wage movement.

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Neighbourhood Watch Crime & Community Survey 2022
Responses to the survey will provide the Neighbourhood Watch charity with important feedback, helping them to better understand crime and fear of crime, and to benchmark whether membership in a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or living in a Neighbourhood Watch area impacts crime levels, neighbourliness, and the willingness of communities to work together

Find out more and respond.

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Government Energy Scheme
The Energy Bill Relief Scheme is aimed at helping to protect non-domestic energy customers, including charities and public sector organisations, from rising energy costs. The scheme will cover energy use for 6 months from 1 October 2022 to 31 March 2023 and is in addition to the Energy Price Guarantee for households.

Organisations do not need to take action or apply to the scheme to access the support. Support (in the form of a p/kWh discount) will automatically be applied to bills and the level of price reduction for each business will vary depending on their contract type and circumstances.

The scheme will be available to everyone on a non-domestic contract subject to a small number of exclusions (for example organisations that use gas or electricity for the purpose of generating power that they are selling back to the grid, and those that agreed a fixed contract before the 1 April 2022).

Organisations on variable contracts will receive a discount, but there will be benefit, in particular, for smaller organisations who have recently moved off fixed tariffs to switch back to one.

For further information on the details of the scheme, see the accompanying guidance.

We appreciate that the above energy announcements (both for households and for organisations) are unlikely to completely meet your needs, and as wider costs continue to increase, we need to monitor what is happening and its impact. Please complete our Cost of Living Survey and if have insights or evidence on demand and costs and the impact they are having, please do share that with us so we add this to ongoing meetings.

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Pro Bono Broadcast Support for Groups Supporting People with Cost of Living
An opportunity has arisen for community organisations and groups, charities or services to receive PR agency specialist help with exposure regarding support for people during the Cost of Living Crisis. Example organisations include the likes of food banks, mental health services, debt services, financial support and others.

If you are part of a small community organization that is assisting the local people with the Cost of Living Crisis and are interested in receiving free support to achieve a wider reach, contact Josh at Be Broadcast on 07500845970.

NHS Covid Booster Eligibility Guidance for Carers of Vulnerable People
NHS England have published guidance about COVID vaccine booster eligibility among those who work or volunteer with vulnerable people. The guidance states that those eligible include

“staff who have frequent face-to-face clinical contact with patients and who are directly involved in patient care in either secondary or primary care/community settings. This includes doctors, dentists, midwives and nurses, paramedics and ambulance staff, pharmacists, optometrists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and radiographers. It should also include those working in independent, voluntary and non-standard healthcare settings such as hospices, and community-based mental health or addiction services. Staff working on the COVID-19 vaccination programme, temporary staff, students, trainees and volunteers who are working with patients must also be included.”

To find out more about getting your booster, visit the NHS website or talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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Supporting Mental Health in Remote Workers
Checking in on the mental health of your employees can be tricky, especially when they’re working remotely some or all of the time and you’re not seeing them in person. But it’s important to look out for signs that there might be a problem and to set boundaries to help support the mental health of your remote workers in the long-term. Charity Job have shared a useful article with guidance on identifying and supporting your remote workers when struggling with mental health.

Read the full article here

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Integrated Care Partnership Strategy and Survey Launch
A strategy is being co-produced by members of the Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Partnership (ICP). The joint strategy will focus on the most complex issues that can only be solved by the organisations within the partnership working together. Six draft priorities have been identified based on data and insight from communities and you are now invited to provide your feedback on those priorities, before they are considered in more detail to form part of the final strategy.

Read more on their Engagement Summary

Follow this link to the survey

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Critical and Creative Approaches to Mental Health Practice Drop in at the Gregson
Reimagining mental health: A day of talking, reading, viewing and creating.

The Gregson will be hosting a day of activities and opportunities to share knowledge with individuals and community groups in the Lancaster district with the aim of increasing collective confidence to help develop existing services and to intervene in new, creative and supportive ways.

The event will take place on Saturday 22nd October, 10am to 5pm at The Gregson Centre, 33-35 Moor Gate, Lancaster, LA1 3PY.

To learn more click here

For further details contact: [email protected]

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NHS Breast Screen Awareness Programme

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Having a regular screening is vitally important and with this, we’d like to remind women aged 50 to 70 (before their 71st birthday) who are registered with a GP Practice, you will receive an invitation to attend for a breast screening mammogram, once every three years, through the NHS Breast Screening Programme.

Eligible women will receive their first invitation before their 53rd birthday. Breast screening can detect breast cancer that is at an early stage when it cannot be seen or felt, and this early detection can save lives and may mean simpler and more successful treatment.

If you are over 71, you can still attend for breast screening every three years by self-referral, just give them a call on 01524 518699 to arrange an appointment.

If you would like to know more about breast screening and read some frequently asked questions, take a look at the website.

It is advised that women should check their breasts regularly and contact your GP if you notice anything unusual, any changes to what is normal for you, or anything you are concerned about.

For more information about what to look out for and how to check your breasts, have a look at the “Breast Cancer Now” website.

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Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS reveals recommendations for new hospitals in Lancaster and Preston
The NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria has stated its preference for new hospitals on new sites for both Royal Preston Hospital and Royal Lancaster Infirmary as part of the New Hospitals Programme, which plans to develop cutting-edge facilities, offering the absolute best in modern healthcare and addressing significant problems with the current ageing hospital buildings.

Each shortlisted proposal has been comprehensively assessed for deliverability, affordability, value for money, and viability, considering feedback from patients, local people and staff:

• A new Royal Lancaster Infirmary on a new site, with partial rebuild / refurbishment of Royal Preston Hospital
• A new Royal Preston Hospital on a new site, with partial rebuild / refurbishment of Royal Lancaster Infirmary
• Investment at both Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital, allowing partial rebuilding work on both existing sites
• Two new hospitals to replace Royal Lancaster Infirmary and Royal Preston Hospital (new sites).

Learn more about the proposals for the  new hospital facilities

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Bay Health and Care Partners Latest News
The BHCP have released their recent newsletter with updates on collaborative work in the Morecambe Bay’s Place-Based Partnership and the outcomes and benefits for communities.

Get up to date with their issue 16: October 2022 edition here

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Let’s Keep Talking Campaign from Lancashire & South Cumbria
The Let’s Keep Talking campaign from Healthier Lancashire & South Cumbria is all about supporting people’s mental health. This video highlights support that is available around Debt & Fuel Poverty, with the aim of signposting the help that’s available with Citizen’s Advice, backed up with NHS mental health support that can aid resilience or help in a crisis.

Watch this short video that explains a little more about it…

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Welcome Jenny Reddell, our new Community Health Officer
We’re delighted to welcome Jenny to our team, and wanted to give her the opportunity to introduce herself:

Hello, I’ve recently started at Lancaster District CVS as the Community Health Officer.

My role is all about bringing together VCFSE, health and council services in the district to coordinate partnership development in relation to health and wellbeing.

Areas of focus are; supporting community health initiatives; managing community grant programmes and the successful implementation and growth of the North Lancashire Digital Directory of Services.

I have worked in the VCFSE sector for 15 years in Leeds and then for the last 10 years in Lancashire.

Working in a variety of roles and across many different organisations I have always been involved in the world of Social Prescribing and Health and Wellbeing.

I believe passionately in the work that is done across the voluntary sector and look forward to building new links with statutory services, demonstrating the impact that community organisations have on people’s lives.

I am excited to work alongside you all helping the sector evidence this impact, spread the word and build resources for the whole community.

North Lancashire Digital Directory of Services
A major part of my role will be the implementation of the new North Lancashire Digital Directory of Services. Soon to go live, this public directory will enable anyone in the district to find out about and directly connect with health and wellbeing services in their locality.

As well as being a brilliant tool for the general public, this directory will also be used by GP’s and other health professionals as a new referral pathway to VCFSE health and wellbeing services in the area via a hub run by me.

Where a health professional has identified that a patient requires non-clinical support, they can use a feature integrated in the electronic patient record to generate a referral which transfers the patient’s name, contact details and a reason for referral to the CVS hub. We have a list of 44 reasons for referral in the system. I will then contact the patient and work with them to signpost and support contact.

Over the next few weeks and months I will be contacting as many of you as possible to arrange to meet, find out more about the wonderful work you are doing and discuss signing up to this vital new community resource.

I have lived in Lancaster for the past 10 years but already having been in post for just over a month I am already blown away by the sheer amount of brilliant work that is going on in the district. I am looking forward to discovering more and meeting you all.

You can get in touch with Jenny by email at [email protected] or by phone on 01524 555900

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Social Prescribing Unit at UCLan
The University of Central Lancashire has recently established a Social Prescribing Unit and are assessing how to respond to calls for training and CPD opportunities.

Unit staff are now seeking thoughts and feedback from people working or interested in working in this area.

Find out more and respond to the survey.

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Stoptober 2022
Once again, the NHS is encouraging smokers to make it to 28 days smoke free this October – which makes it 5 times more likely they will quit for good. Daily email and online community support is available throughout the month.

Find out more and access resources

Lancashire Youth Partnership Triathlon Success
The Morecambe Bay Youth Triathlon team recently came together at Stanleys Community Centre Morecambe for a celebration of their achievements in taking part in the Morecambe Bay Triathlon project. The project was managed by Lancashire Youth Challenge,  Stanleys Community Centre and Bay Leadership Academy School in Morecambe. A team of 30 local young people were supported, enabled and empowered to complete three significant physical challenges. Have a watch of the video below which gives an insight into the project and their amazing feats.

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Graft’s ‘Changemakers’ FREE Workshops at the Lancaster Maritime Museum
Graft Lancaster are running four free workshops for young people aged between 13-19 years from the Lancaster area that want to make a positive change, that are passionate about equality and want their voice to be heard. Along with Lancaster Black History Group and Lancaster Maritime Museum, the workshops provide the opportunity for local young people to take a lead on a project celebrating equality and activism.

Workshop dates are as follows:

Monday 24^th October, 1-4pm
Tuesday 25^th October, 1-4pm
Wednesday 26^th October, 1-4pm
Thursday 27^th October, 1-4pm

For more information contact [email protected] or to sign up visit the event webpage.

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High Sheriff Awards 2022 – Community Foundation for Lancashire
Do you know a young person aged 19 or under, who has helped either their local neighbourhood, an individual, family member or a local organisation in the last 12 months? The High Sheriff of Lancashire would like to hear from you! To nominate your candidate fill in the online form by clicking on the link below.

The winner will receive £500 with two runner-up prizes of £100 each.

Closing date for nominations 31st January 2023.

For more information Contact Al Yusuf on 01772 412796

Learn more and nominate

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Young People’s Social Impact Journeys Research
Working with Common Vision, Power to Change are seeking 18-35 year olds to share their thoughts on social activism, political participation, community life, and meaningful employment.

Start the survey here.

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Lancashire County Council Family Support Access  – Request for Feedback
Lancashire County Council is set to improve their support services in how parents and carers currently contact the council to seek support, access help and share information about their children.  This will look at the use of technology and in ensuring their service is more efficient. County Councillor Jayne Rear, cabinet member for education and skills , said:

“Improving the way we share information with parents, carers and schools will help us to achieve our vision; that children, young people and their families are safe, healthy and achieve their full potential.”  

Before this work can begin, the council are asking parents and carers for feedback on their experiences of support, services and information so that their views are central to any changes made.

Read more and Share your views

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National Deaf Children’s Society Offering Grants to Support Deaf Young People
The National Deaf Children’s Society is offering grants of up to £1,000 to support young deaf people that wish to deliver projects and activities that benefit their lives. Through the Make a Change Fund young people are supported to bring to life their ideas so that they can make a positive change for themselves and other deaf young people. Creative projects involving art, drama, music, film and other similar projects that connect their ideas with school projects or youth group activities will also be considered.

Learn more about criteria and application

Interactive Roles and Duties of Trustees e-Learning Course
The NCVO are running an e-learning course which will equip you with the basics of being a trustee. Trustees play an important role in making sure charities are well managed and can achieve their aims. Understanding your duties as a trustee will help you run your charity effectively, keep to the law and make a bigger difference. The NCVO eLearning course is hosted by the FSI’s learning management system.  The course lets you study in your own time and at your own pace that can fit around your schedule and priorities.

Learn more about how to register

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How to support and Retain Your Staff through the Cost of Living Crisis Webinar
In partnership with Atkinson HR Consulting, an NCVO trusted supplier, NCVO are hosting a webinar exploring what charities can do to support and retain their staff when resources are limited. The webinar will run for 45 minutes with 15 minutes at the end for questions. This event will take place virtually via Zoom.

For more information and register your place

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Supporting Young People Course at Lancaster & Morecambe College
Lancaster and Morecambe college have introduced a new AIM Level 2 course for anyone supporting people in education, care, pastorally and in a residential setting. The qualification has been developed by industry experts including the National Youth Agency (NYA), Education and Training Standards (ETS) England and Wales, and aims to develop youth work practitioners.

You will develop your knowledge, understanding and skills in the following:

• The key purpose and role of youth work including the skills, knowledge, qualities and values required to practice
• Safeguarding in a youth work setting, including how to protect young people when using contemporary technologies
• Young people’s development and how youth work can support young people during adolescence
• Working with challenging behaviour
• Work-based and reflective practice.

There are 8 mandatory units to complete including the work experience module and with an additional unit from the optional section. You will build a portfolio of evidence through class work, observations and reflective log as well as active class participation. You will also complete 40 hours of work experience in a youth work environment paid or unpaid.

The classes will be interactive and full participation is required. There is an expectation of 90% attendance required. On successful completion of the course you will achieve a Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice

For more information view the course e-leaflet

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Emergency First Aid 1 Day Course – Lancashire Adult Learning
Lancashire Adult Learning are running an Emergency First Aid 1 day course on Thursday 20^th October at Lancaster Methodist Church, Lancaster.  This 1 day accredited course is designed for those who have a specific responsibility at work, to provide first aid in a range of emergency first aid situations. It will enable learners to act as an appointed person, take charge of the First Aid arrangements, including looking after the equipment, calling for the Emergency Services and confidently dealing with specific first aid situations. It is also ideal for people who have a specific responsibility to provide basic first aid in voluntary and community activities. Learners will complete practical assessments and a final multiple-choice theory paper to demonstrate competency, knowledge and skills in emergency first aid.

The course starts at 9.30am till 4.45pm.  The course is free for volunteers, or anyone on active benefits.

Further course details and how to register

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Wellbeing Day at The Growing Club 
On November 16th, at The Storey, the Growing Club have their Winter Wellness Day for Women in Business, supported by Lancaster City Council. As part of that, they have funding from the Emergency Fund, to put on a special breakout event for women in the 3rd sector. This is in recognition of all your hard work over the last 2, very challenging, years.

The purpose of this, is for women in the 3rd sector to come together in a safe space, to explore what we all need to continue to support our teams and our communities through this winter.

The day will run as follows:
9.30am welcome brew and networking in the writing room.
10am gather in the Tara Centre room for a morning facilitated by Sarah Ludford, to help us explore what We need as leaders, to support our teams and our communities this winter.
12.15 lunch
1.15 activities; choose between art rant or aromatherapy
2.15 gather as a whole group for an end of day session
2.30 close
There are just 12 places.

For the event e-leaflet click here

For tickets follow this link

Any questions, and to book your free place please email [email protected] 

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Quiz  Night at the First Light Trust
Are you a veteran of the Armed Forces or Emergency Services? Are you keen to pick up a new skill and engage with other veterans? First Light Trust are holding a quiz night on Friday 21^st October, 6pm at the Lancaster Hub, Market Street. Booking is essential so please contact the organisers on 01524 587068 or email [email protected]

View their event leaflet here

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The Gregson Community & Arts Centre Multiple Event Space Venue
The Gregson Community & Arts Centre has multiple spaces in their venue – a hall, meeting room and even a secret cinema which are suitable for a range of workshops, performances and events.

As they reimagine the future of this Lancaster Institution they have launched a Creative Support Programme to nurture regular classes/workshops at the centre and help creatives try something new by minimising the financial risk to them.

Creatives can sign up to our Creative Support Programme and receive:

* 3 weeks free room hire

* 2 weeks half price

* Only pay full room hire from week 6

* Marketing support

Their standard room hire prices start from just £10 an hour, making them affordable long term.

There’s more info here

If anyone has any questions or would like to talk an idea through they can call the centre on 01524 849959 or email Katherine on [email protected]

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Children’s Nearly New Sale at the Centre, Halton
The Centre Halton are to be hosting their regular Children’s Nearly New Sale on Saturday 15^th October from 9am till 12pm.  There will  be all sorts to rummage through such as nursery equipment, clothes, toys, games and books.  There will be raffle and refreshments.

For more information take a look at their event flyer here

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FREE Young Carers CPD Training in Lancaster
According to Carers Trust, 800,000 young people across the UK are providing full-time care to relatives – many in complete isolation. Since the pandemic, nearly 40% of young carers say their mental health has been impacted as they have had to spend on average 10+ hours more a week caring for a loved one. Looking ahead to the winter, young carers are now faced with new challenges.

Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers Service and The Who Cares Campaign are running free young carers CPD training at The Dukes Theatre in Lancaster on Thursday 20th October. The training is around young carers and aimed at anyone who works with young people in any capacity.

 Attendees will leave with a better understanding of how to identify, refer and support young carers. The event will take place from 11am till 2:30pm run by Matt Woodhead (LUNG) / Barnardo’s at The Dukes Theatre in the Gallery spaces  

This includes lunch (please email any dietary requirements to [email protected]).

If you would like to attend, please book a space (using the link provided) by Tuesday 18th of October by 12 Noon, the spaces will be on a first come first served basis.

Please note this training is a repeat of the CPD training run last November. Return delegates are very welcome, as this is a fantastic opportunity to refresh your practice.

To reserve your place, please visit the event page here

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FoodFutures to launch New Project ‘Closing Loops’
The Lancaster District sustainable food network FoodFutures are set to launch their ‘Closing Loops’ collaborative project with the aim of transforming waste into a valuable resource whilst cultivating a circular and regenerative local economy. The project will involve the building of a composting academy, gleaning network, citizen journalist movement and co-creation of North Lancashire recipes. As part of the launch they will be hosting four Wold Cafes across North Lancashire throughout October and November and are inviting you to join them.

Here are a list of event locations and how registration links:

The Gregson Community Centre, Lancaster – 17^th October – Register here

The Carnforth Civic Hall – 3^rd November – Register here

Morecambe location (venue tbc) – 9^th November – Register here

The Victoria Institute, Caton – 19^th November – Register here

All events are in the evenings and start at 6pm with food served at 7:15pm

To learn more about this community-led project click here

Read more about the World Cafes and event details

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Children & Young People Mental Health Training for Professionals
A number of training workshops are available to professionals in the Lancaster & Morecambe area for children and young people’s mental health.  This is a free training session aimed to keep mental health champions confident and informed about issues in the locality around the mental health of our children and young people. There are a number of upcoming sessions both online and in person:

Online sessions

• MHFA for self harming behaviours and suicidal thoughts workshop – Tuesday 8th November 1-3pm – MS Teams (6 places available)
• MHFA for self harming behaviours and suicidal thoughts workshop – Monday 5th December 1-3pm – MS Teams (8 places available)

 In person sessions

• Loss and bereavement workshop – Monday 7th November – full day at Slyndales (7 places available)
•  Youth Mental Health First Aid – Thursday 10th and Friday 11th November – both days to be attended in full at Lancaster Uni (10 places available)

If you would like more information or to book a place email [email protected]

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Lancaster Black History Group and Lancaster City Museums Launch Slavery Family Trees Exhibition
Lancaster City Museums have been working with the Lancaster Black History Group to develop a new, intimate exhibition which draws on research from a ‘slavery family trees project’. Lancaster Blck History Group is a grassroots community group working to fight racism through education.  The Slavery Family Tree exhibition will run at the Lancaster City Museum between October 15^th 2022 and February 26^th 2023.  The public launch of the exhibition takes place at the museum at 11am on October 15^th and is open to everyone.

Follow this link for further information

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Poetry & Spoken Word Evening ‘The Wordarium’ at The Herbarium
An creative initiative run by Ben Guilfoyle of the Lancaster Men’s Hub which will feature a host of poetry-related items such as monthly headiners, open mic, competitions and slam events. The cost of entry is £4 and all proceeds go to local charities, with the first 3 months going to LMH. 

Location: The Herbarium, Lancaster

Date & Time: Wed 26^th October 2022, 7.30pm

Duration: 2 hours

More information on this event here

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Morecambe Community Riso-Press Fundraiser
The community organisation Good Things are currently raising funds for a Riso-Press printer and need your help. The local non-profit are looking to raise £6000 for the Morecambe Risograph Press, which will contribute to the sustainable growth in the area. The eco-friendly printer will assist local creatives to be able to print and publish art editions, post cards, greeting cards, zines, posters and more for their artists products.

Here’s the backstory to the project

Follow this link to donate

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Chair & Mat Yoga with Cas
Join Yoga Guide Cas on this beginner’s adult yoga class.  This is a 10 week course (5+5) of investment in your wellness.  The sessions come with multiple benefits including improved flexibility, strength, sleep and more. Do you struggle with your mental health? The Chair & Mat Yoga sessions provide the perfect antidote for stress and anxiety providing your safe space for calm. Let Cas bring the benefits of Yoga to you and your group to  venue that suits you.

Reduced to £20 per person, per 5 sessions or ask about a group price quote.

To book your classes or for further information contact Cas at [email protected]

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Adapting Together: How can we all play a part in climate action?
Climate change affects everyone but not everyone is able to take effective action against the climate crisis. With systemic change slow, and the public encouraged to shoulder individual responsibility, the majority are faced with an unrealistic burden. How can design create accessible opportunities to engage with the climate crisis? How can design work for the benefit of both our community and climate? 

This symposium explores pathways to equitable climate action through design-led research, community and environmental projects, across four themes of repair, adapt, collaborate and transition.

Taking eight case studies from Lancashire, London, Brixton, Birmingham and Bristol – spanning e-waste and repair, community housing and collective action – and inviting responses to those case studies, we ask how we might respond equitably to the climate crisis.

The symposium is a collaboration between ImaginationLancaster – Lancaster University’s design-led research lab and Future Observatory – a national programme for design research supporting the UK’s response to the climate crisis at the Design Museum

22 November, Lancaster House Hotel, free of charge.

Find out more and register

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Developing Your Staff – Online Course
This one-day conference explores how you can create a learning and development culture within your organisation. The conference is for anyone working with teams or supporting staff members in management & leadership, volunteer management and HR. It takes a closer look into the best ways of ensuring your organisation retains and develops staff.

This event is being held on Wednesday 26^th October 2022.

For more information on the programme, speakers and reserving a place

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Light Up Lancaster Lantern Making Workshops – FREE Opportunity
The creative team at Light Up Lancaster are looking for people to join in the fun with help making lanterns and/or carrying the swooping lantern birds on the 2 live nights of this ambitious, creative community project. The performances will take place on Friday 4^th and Saturday 5^th November 2022.  If you would like to know more about this exciting opportunity, contact [email protected] for more.

More information on Light Up Lancaster 

Complete a Skills-Gap Analysis for Your Charity
Do you need to hire someone new? Before you write a job ad, it can help to conduct a skills gap analysis to understand the types of skills that might be lacking in your organisation. Charity Job have provided a step-by-step process to create one.

Learn more about their Skills-Gap Analysis here

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Data Manager at DanceSyndrome
Dance Syndrome are looking for a Data Manager with  minimum of 2 years experience to led their data collection, monitoring and evaluation frameworks and analyse results to better inform their work and how they can help people with learning disabilities.

Salary: £25,000 pro-rated to 8 hours per week
Contract: Flexible over 2 or 3 days or freelance opportunity
Location: A combination of Accrington office, homeworking and in locations around the North-West
Closing date: Non confirmed

Find out more and apply

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Shared Lives Officer (Team Manager)
Shared Lives are looking to recruit an inspiring, proactive, and highly well organised Shared Lives Officer (Team Manager), to work within this well-established friendly team. This main base for this post is in Lancaster, however the post holder will have some flexibility to work from home if the business needs allow this. The successful post holder will be expected to be able to manage a team of Shared Lives Support Workers who are the main point of contact for our carers and the individuals we support. The post holder will also be overseeing a large group of Shared Lives Carers within North Lancashire, ensuring they are carrying out their responsibilities in line with their carer contract, alongside CQC’s key lines of enquiry – Safe, Caring, Responsive, Effective and Well Led.

Salary: £34,373 – £39,571 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full time (37 hours per week)
Location: Covers Wyre, Fylde, Lancaster and Morecambe
Closing date: Oct 27^th 2022

Find out more and apply

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Organisational Recruitment All Sector Jobs Fair at Lancaster Job Centre
Lancaster JobCentres are hosting an all sector jobs fair at Lancaster Job Centre on Thursday 24^th November from 1.30pm till 3.30pm. This is a great opportunity for organisations in the area currently looking to recruit.  Customers from both Lancaster and Morecambe are invited to attend and encouraged to bring copies of their CVS. Spaces for this event are limited so please contact Janet at [email protected] or Debbie at [email protected]

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Head of Visitor Operations with the RSPB
The RSPB are looking for a leader with a proven track record of managing successful visitor focused commercial operations.  The individual must be a confident communicator with influencing skills, that is able to provide direction and leadership for RSPB visitor operations making money to deliver their charitable purpose as well as ensuring they play their part for people and the planet too.

Salary: £42,768 – £47,446 per annum

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Location: Lancaster/ Flexible in UK

Closing date: 02 November 2022, 23:59pm

Find out more and apply

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General Advisor /Caseworker with Citizens Advice Barrow

The CA Barrow are looking to recruit a new member to join their First Contact Advice team, to deliver high-quality information, legal advice and support that helps people resolve their problems around benefits, debt, employment, housing and relationships. The individual will require a unique set of skills for the role including first-rate communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to understand, summarise complex legal information, excellent IT skills and a positive attitude to working as part of a team.

Salary: 21,613 – £23,254 per annum

Contract: Full time, permanent

Location: Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria

Closing date: 30 October 2022, 12:00

Find out more about this position and apply

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Visitor Experience and Events Area Consultant with the RSPB
The RSPB are seeking a Visitor Experience and Events Area Consultant who will provide leadership in visitor experience, ensuring a world-class experience across RSPB nature reserves for everyone.  The successful candidate will set the expected standards on reserves for visitor experience providing direction to underpin a high-quality visitor offer and consistent experience- leading on profitability, exemplary customer service and infrastructure.

Salary: £28,420-31,529 per annum

Contract: Full time, Permanent

Location: Carnforth, Lancashire

Closing date: 23 October 2022, 23:59pm

Read more about this role and how to apply

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Prison Facilitator (HMP Lancaster Farms) at Shannon Trust
Working closely with prisons, volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of a prison-based programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read, as well as improve their maths.

Salary: £15,450 per annum

Contract: 21 hours per week, permanent

Location: Lancaster

Closing date: 17 October

Find out more and apply

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BAME Outreach Support Worker – Preston Domestic Violence Services
Preston Domestic Violence Services are seeking a BAME Outreach Support Worker to join their team.  The start date for this job is for as soon as conveniently possible.

Salary: £15,834 per annum (£23,434 pro-rata)

Contract: Permanent

Location: Combination of office (Harbour House, Port Way) and in the community

Closing date: 31^st October 2022, 9am

*Please note: This job is open to women only

Find out more and apply

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]

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

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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