Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 19 May 22
We are working with the local voluntary and community sector and Lancashire and District-wide partners to support VCFSE organisations and people living in our communities. We encourage you to share this page with others.
An archive of previous editions can be found here.
Click headings below to expand each section.
Save the date: Digital Directory of Services Voluntary Sector Briefing
This long-awaited online service, built in collaboration with Bay Health & Care Partners, is on track for a summer launch.
We invite voluntary and community organisations to save the date (Wednesday 8 June, 2pm) for an online briefing and Q&A session where we will provide a summary of the system and its features, explain how you can get your services and activities listed, and discuss the different ways your group or organisation can engage with the Directory to reach potential service-users
A full agenda and joining instructions will be circulated in due course, alongside additional dates for those unable to attend.
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Lancaster District Community Wellbeing Fund
New: grants of between £500 and £2000 are available to fund activities which positively improve physical or mental health and wellbeing.
See the funding section for more information
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Lublin Refugee Appeal
The Lancaster district has close ties with the Polish city of Lublin, having been twinned since 1994. Lublin is situated just 70 miles from the Ukraine border and is one of the first places refugees travel to on arrival in Poland. As a result, Lublin has seen an enormous influx of refugees, and the Mayor of Lublin has reached out to the city’s friends for help as it struggles to support so many vulnerable people.
A result of calls from our community for a practical method of collective help to be organised, a fundraising page has been set up by Lancaster District CVS, which will see all donations sent to Lublin to help our twin city and the refugees that they are supporting.
To find out how to donate, visit our dedicated fundraising page.
Lancaster District Community Wellbeing Fund
The Lancaster District Community Wellbeing Fund is a small grants programme for community groups within the Lancaster District. The programme is aimed at smaller local organisations – with an annual income of less than £100,000 – within the voluntary, community and faith sector providing activity to make a positive difference to the lives and wellbeing of adults.
Grants of between £500 and £2000 are available to fund activities which positively improve physical or mental health and wellbeing.
Please note we are offering this fund separately from the Community Health Champions Fund, which focuses on health education opportunities and access to health services. The Wellbeing Fund aims to fund specific activities – such as meditation, healthy cooking, isolation-reducing social activity, or sports lessons to name but a few examples.
In order to distribute the fund widely, there will be four targeted rounds (rural areas, BAME communities and young people, older people, and deprived areas).
For full guidance and a link to the application form, visit the LDCVS website.
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Energy Redress Scheme & Innovation and Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund
The funds, created by payments from Ofgem registered companies who may have broken industry rules, are open for grant applications from community organisations.
Fund priorities include helping people who are most at risk from cold homes and high energy bills, the development of innovative energy products and services, and energy-related activities aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Find out more and register for fund access.
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Co-op Local Community Fund
Co-op want to support groups that bring people together to access food, improve people’s mental wellbeing, provide opportunities for young people, and help people protect local biodiversity or tackle climate change.
The more Co-op members that support your project, the more money you’ll receive. In most areas, this is between £1,000 and £3,000 on average. You’ll get a minimum of £1,000 to support your project.
Deadline for applications 29 May 2022.
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Community Ownership Fund
The £150m Community Ownership Fund helps communities across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take ownership of assets at risk of closure, ensuring that important parts of the social fabric can continue to play a central role in our towns and villages.
The fund will relaunch in the week beginning 26 May, and the first bidding window will open on 6 June.
Find out more (after 26 May), or register your interest in a seminar.
The Lancaster Volunteer Centre Website is slowly building, with more and more visits each week from prospective volunteers. If you haven’t registered yet, you can do so by visiting the site and following the quick and simple sign-up process.
The service is completely free of charge and is an excellent way to find new volunteers, as well as direct traffic to your own volunteering sections on your website.
Our Volunteer Centre manager Mark is on hand to support you in whatever way you need and you can contact him via email at [email protected].
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Phoneline Support Volunteers at Charge My Street
Charge My Street is a community benefit society which places electric vehicle chargers across Lancashire and Cumbria. Phoneline volunteers are there for EV drivers’ when they feel they have no one else to turn to, by giving a regular shift of up to 4 hours each week working remotely to help get charging sessions started, answer payment queries and unlock cables that are trapped in chargepoints.
Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.
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Shop Assistant at The Samaritans
Volunteers will work across the full range of activities which include being on the shop floor, operating the till, checking stock and restocking as and when required. Upstairs duties include sorting donations and preparing them for the shop floor. No experience of shop work is required as full training and support will be given.
Find out more on the LDCVS volunteering website.
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Harmony with Nature Charitable Trust
The Trust is seeking volunteers to work alongside a professional builder to construct an eight bedroom house for refugees in Lancaster. Full induction, training, tools and PPE will be provided.
Small Charity Week 20 – 24 June
This year’s Small Charity Week focuses on connecting charities. To facilitate these connections, you can sign up to offer and/or receive advice on a number of relevant topics during the Big Advice Days.
Find out more about the week, and register your own events.
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Shared Prosperity Fund
What does the government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, designed to replace European structural and investment funding, mean for charities?
This detailed recording of a discussion hosted by New Philanthropy Capital outlines the fund and explains how voluntary organisations can access its opportunities.
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Finding a NEET Solution
This new report from the Youth Futures Foundation finds that on current trends it will take over 150 years before there are no longer any young people who are ‘not in education, employment or training’ (NEET) in England, and makes several policy recommendations based on prevention rather than cure.
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Charity Digital Skills Survey 2022
If you work for a charity or a non-profit organisation, social sector organisation or a funder, based in the UK, Charity Digital would like to hear your views about your digital skills and support needs. Survey results will be used to lobby funders.
Respondents will have the chance to enter their charity for a prize draw offering £500 in unrestricted funding.
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Find legally-qualified trustees with Bar in the Community
Part of the Bar Pro Bono Unit, Bar in the Community matches barristers and other legal professions who wish to serve their communities with voluntary organisations who can tap into their skills.
In particular, a trustee finding service is offered for organisations that need to support legally qualified board members.
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Council Housing Anti-Social Behaviour Service Review
Lancaster City Council are currently reviewing their Housing ASB services , and have commissioned RESOLVE as an independent ASB specialist membership organisation to support this work.
The Council’s Housing ASB service is keen to hear the views of their tenants and residents about the ASB services that are currently being delivered. Your views will help shape and influence changes and improvements to the service.
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Growing the Grassroots report from the Civic Power Fund
New research by the Civic Power Fund has highlighted the need for a step-change in funding for charities focused on social justice, particularly grassroots organisations.
AgeUK Lancashire Good Day Call Service
This new service people age 65+ living in Lancashire the opportunity to have a call service on a weekly basis to try to combat loneliness.
The service is free, and anyone including health professional or family members who are concerned for a person’s wellbeing can refer into the service by calling AgeUK Lancashire’s 0300 303 1234 customer services number.
They are keen to contact those isolated from family and friends and are vulnerable, those may include people who are house bound and have limited mobility to access services outside the home.
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Health & Care Bill
The Health and Care Bill has passed through the final Parliamentary stages and received Royal Assent, meaning it will form part of UK law.
To support a more integrated approach, the eight Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) in Lancashire and South Cumbria will be closed down and a new Integrated Care Board (ICB), known publicly as NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria, will be set up from 1 July 2022. This new organisation will be responsible for NHS spend and the day-to-day running of the NHS in Lancashire and South Cumbria.
Find out more about what the bill means for local NHS services in this briefing.
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Tara Centre Relaxation Meditation
Are you looking for a safe and welcoming space to be present with yourself and others? Are you feeling the call to find peace and sacredness in your everyday life? Are you stressed, anxious or in need of some company and support?
Please come along to Tara Centre’s Relaxation Meditation – a gentle guided meditation with singing bowls.
Marsh Community Centre Lancaster Tuesdays 1.30pm-2.30pm
Stanley’s Community Centre Morecambe Wednesdays 11am-12pm
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Staying safe online – new classes from Childnet
These newly launched videos, presentations and lesson plans cover the important topics of healthy relationships, digital wellbeing and online pornography and are designed to equip and enable educators, parents and carers, to support young people aged 11 and over with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
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Lancashire County Council Education Strategy 2022-25
The new strategy sets five priorities for the Council:
- Improve take-up and outcomes in early years
- Further reduce exclusions, both permanent and suspensions
- Address rising numbers of Elective Home Education (EHE) where this is not in the best interests of the child
- Improve outcomes for vulnerable groups including those eligible for Free School Meals, Children In Need, children with a Care Plan, and Children Looked After, as well as those with SEN support and those with an EHCP
- Increase the number of children and young people in Education, Employment or Training (EET)
To achieve these aims, a ‘Team Around the School (TASS)’ approach will drive partnership working.
Read the full strategy, and find out more about the TASS approach.
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Lancaster Music Festival Search For a Star 2022
The festival is running a SEARCH FOR A STAR competition in which acts will receive practical guidance to prepare them for performing on stage and progressing in the music business.
Applicants must be aged between 14 and 20, a band, group or solo artist playing mainly original popular modern music of any genre and resident in the Lancaster district.
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Music Camp at Lancaster Library
Young people aged 13-17 interested in the music industry are invited to attend a free music camp at Lancaster Library. Camps take place on 30 May/1 June and 11/12 June from 10am – 4pm daily.
Find out more and book a place.
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YMCA Lancaster Activities in May, and opportunities to collaborate
Monday Night Club (4.30pm – 6.30pm) – games, gym, and sports, including boxing.
Wednesday Dodgeball Club (4.30pm – 4.30pm) – dodgeball followed by BMS meditation
Friday Art Club (4pm – 5pm) – work with artists and arts organisations in unique art sessions and themed weeks.
All sessions are free of charge, and are designed for 8-15 year olds.
To find out more, or collaborate with YMCA Lancaster on delivery of youth activities, email [email protected]
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Foster Care Fortnight
9 – 22 May 2022 is Foster Care Fortnight. This year, The Fostering Network’s chosen theme is #FosteringCommunities, focusing on the strength and resilience of fostering communities and the work they do to ensure children are cared for and supported.
Lancaster City Council Community Conversation: Social Value
The session will work towards establishing local social value priorities in the Lancaster district in the context of social, economic and environmental wellbeing. Your participation in the conversation will influence this evolving agenda with Lancaster City Council and partners.
23 May, 6pm, online.
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Lancaster City Council VCSE Advisory Group
The first meeting of this new group will be held online on 20 May at 10am.
The group is keen to hear your views and to gain from your experience of the VCSE sector across the Lancaster district. By giving up your valuable time, you will help us to shape and develop the council’s thinking, which will improve the way the council works with VCSE organisations in the future.
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NeuroDropIn Jubilee Garden Party
Celebrate the Jubilee, enjoy vintage afternoon tea and compete for the best fancy dress on Friday 3 June, 11am – 4pm at Torrisholme Methodist Church.
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Who decides what we eat?
UCLan has temaed up with FoodFutures to explore people’s understanding of ‘who decides what we eat?’. The research project aims to understand where power and trust lies within food systems, through discussing people’s experiences of deciding what to eat.
The project team are looking for local residents to take part in one of three community conversations, to be held online in May.
School for Social Entrepreneurs Community Business Trade Up Programme
Projects or businesses that trade for community benefit (such as charities that fundraise by sell goods, CICs and other types of social enterprise) are encouraged to apply for this new programme which offers:
- Training to help you build income, confidence, resilience and impact
- Up to £5,000 in match trading
- A community business peer mentor
- Networking opportunities with other programme members.
Application deadline 28 June.
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Carbon Monoxide Awareness Workshops
The Gas Safe Charity provides free hour long Zoom training course to raise awareness of carbon monoxide risks, aimed at front line staff who provide support to vulnerable people in their own homes.
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Measuring and reporting the impact of wellbeing
The Social Audit Network’s annual conference will this year focus on sharing learning and good practice around measuring, describing and reporting the wellbeing impact of social enterprise activity.
20 May, at The Women’s Organisation, Liverpool
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Free Training for Paid Staff
The Upskilling the Health and Social Care Workforce in Lancashire project is a fully-funded EU project offering paid staff the chance to gain an award in something that will benefit them in either their work, their general professional development, or both.
Upon registering your organisation will be supported by a dedicated training team to help your paid employees take part in training and gain an award. Awards can be accredited or non-accredited and the delivery is bespoke, tailored to your needs, from topic to timing and location.
To fin out more please contact Mark at [email protected]
Senior Social Value Consultant at The Shared Value Business
TSVB are looking for looking for an individual with an excellent understanding of the complexity of creating social value, and who can design and deliver projects such as social sustainability strategies and social value action plans for a variety of multi-sector, diverse clients.
Salary: £40,000 (pro-rata) depending on experience
Contract: 0.8 – 1FTE (by negotiation) fully flexible
Location: Home based with travel to offices in Morecambe and to client sites
For more information, download the application pack.
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Family Court Adviser (Social Worker) at CAFCASS
Family Court Advisers work directly with vulnerable children and families, to advise the family courts on the best course of action for the child or young person. They provide case analysis and recommendations to the court.
Salary: £38,974-£43,459
Location: Lancashire including Blackpool, Preston, Blackburn and Burnley
Closing date: 29 May 2022
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Recovery Support Worker at Creative Support
The postholder will provide a person-centred focused support service that enables service users to develop the necessary life skills for independent living. Recovery Support Workers also be support people to access meaningful and engaging activities both in the scheme and the local community, with the aim of supporting people to be active and equal citizens.
Salary: up to £10 per hour
Contract: Full or part time
Location: Blackpool
Closing date: 20 May 2022
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Independent Sexual Violence Advisor at Victim Support
The main purpose of this role is to provide quality support to children and young people who are victims and survivors of sexual violence. The postholder will be responsible for completing comprehensive initial needs and risk assessments, developing and delivering personalised safety and support plans for clients, many of whom have additional vulnerabilities and have complex needs.
Salary: £17.812 – £25,437 per annum
Contract: Part time, 28.5 hours per week, permanent
Location: Ulverston
Closing date: 11 June 2022
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Fundraising Officer at Cumbria Action for Sustainability
The officer will help implement donor and corporate fundraising strategies, increase core funding through development trust and foundation fundraising, and research opportunities for the organisation’s funding pipeline.
Salary: £12,600 – £15,000 per annum
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, for 12 months.
Location: Home or office (Penrith)
Closing date: 14 June 2022
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Coordinator at Morecambe Homeless Action
MHA are seeking a Coordinator for their meals service. The Coordinator will ideally have experience of catering and knowledge of the needs of homeless people. Use of their own car will be essential.
Salary: £12.50 per hour
Contract: 8 hours per week fixed term for 12 months
Location: Morecambe (home-based and on site)
Closing date: 31 May 2022
For more information, email [email protected]
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Asylum & Refugee Coordinator at Multicultural Cumbria
Multicultural Cumbria is looking for a committed and organised professional with experience in the inclusion of marginalised people, service development and community organising. The postholder will support people seeking asylum who are living in contingency hotels in Carlisle to live a healthy and active life.
Salary: £25,000 (pro-rata)
Contract: Full-time, 1 June 2022 until 31 December 2022
Location: Carlisle
Closing date: 26 May 2022, 5pm
If your organisation needs support whether it be working with volunteers, completing accounts and payroll, finding funding, solving governance issues, or just want a listening ear, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team:
Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]
Volunteering and upskilling your workforce, contact [email protected]
Payroll, bookkeeping and independent examinations, contact [email protected]
Membership queries: [email protected]
Partnerships, networks and strategic development, contact [email protected]
Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900
To promote your events, training, jobs, and sector news, email [email protected]
