Information and Advice for the Lancaster District’s Third Sector – 20 December 2024

LDCVS Christmas Message
As some of us in the sector wind down for the Christmas break and others prepare for one of the busiest times of the year, it’s a natural moment to reflect on the year gone by and to look ahead to the possibilities of 2025.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the incredible contributions of our members, partners, funders and our communities throughout the year. 2024 has been a year of challenges, growth, and collaboration, and we are truly inspired by the dedication, resilience, and passion of our colleagues working in the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.

Together, we’ve achieved so much – from supporting our communities and championing equality and equity, to building networks that drive real, lasting change. Whether strengthening connections across neighborhoods or ensuring vital services reach those who need them most, you have had a profound and tangible impact on the lives of many.

Looking ahead to 2025, we remain committed to supporting you, amplifying your voices, and fostering even stronger partnerships to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of our district. There is much to work towards, and we are excited to continue this important journey with you all.

This festive season, I hope you find time to rest, reflect, and celebrate the successes of the year – you’ve certainly earned it! We hope it gives you a sense of the collective impact we’ve made together.

Thank you for being such an integral part of our shared mission. On behalf of the team, we wish you, your teams, and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

Kind regards

Yak & The LDCVS Team

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Christmas & New Year Opening Times
Our offices will be closed between 4pm on 20 December 2024 and 9am on 2 January 2024. While some staff will work from home on 23 and 24 December, others will be taking a longer period of annual leave. If you wish to leave us a message during this time and are not already in contact with a specific member of the team, we recommend emailing hello@lancastercvs.org.uk  

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Thank You for an Incredible FestiVOL 2024! 
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for FestiVOL 2024 last month —it was an amazing day of connection and inspiration! From our thought-provoking speakers to the engaging workshops, and the stunning performance by the Lancaster & District Male Voice Choir, the event truly showcased the spirit of the voluntary sector.  

Your energy and enthusiasm made it a memorable celebration of our collective achievements over the last 12 months. Here’s to continuing our vital work and building on the wonderful connections made during the day. Thank you for being part of it! 

Take a look at some of the FestiVOL photos on Facebook!

Charity Governance Awards
The Charity Governance Awards celebrate exceptional governance and trusteeship in UK charities, offering a chance to showcase best practices, inspire others, and compete for prizes of up to £6,000. Open to charities of all sizes, entries are free and close on 12 February 2025. Winners will be announced at a live ceremony in June.

Find out more and start your entry

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Charity Excellence Survey
Charity Excellence is conducting a survey for small charities. 

They are hoping to create some guidance for funders to make application processes easier for charities. 

Their message is: “The workload in submitting multiple funding bids is now a major problem, so we’re going to create a Good Grant Makers Guide of those that make it easiest and identify ways funders can make applications less onerous. I’m using a short survey to collect data.   

Feel free to complete it and also to share this with anyone who might be interested.  If they add their e-mail, they’ll be sent the results.” 

It should take 10 mins to complete and there is a sneaky bonus in Q4 because this has a big list of funders, some which you may not have heard of, so it may be worth checking what some of those out. 

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UCLan Third Sector Survey 
The University of Central Lancashire is looking to explore the capacity for third-sector organisations to undertake internal evaluation as well as any barriers that may currently exist. Having reviewed existing literature, they are aware that there is increasing demand for evaluation and further attention is needed on how third sector agencies currently complete evaluations. 

They are seeking the views of individuals who currently work for a third-sector organisation and have been involved in conducting, commissioning or participating in an evaluation. They would appreciate if you could take a moment to fill out the survey.

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Police & Crime Plan
Lancashire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, has launched a new Police and Crime Plan for 2024-2029. The plan sets out the Commissioner’s vision for policing across Lancashire in preventing and investigating crime. It is based on extensive feedback from Lancashire residents, alongside local and national research and publications.

Read more here

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NCVO Report – Can we Bank on the Banks?
Banking is essential for charities and voluntary organisations. A new report from the National Council for Voluntary Organisations has uncovered how many are struggling to access suitable services, highlights the ongoing barriers, and explains how NCVO is working to change this. The report also includes links to their financial management resources which includes specific guidance on banking.

Read the new report here

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Citizens Advice and Green Rose at The Link  
Visit Green Rose (mornings) and Citizens Advice (afternoons) at The Link on West Street, Morecambe, every Wednesday. Their friendly advisers are here to chat and support you. Free Wi-Fi available.  

You’ll find them at 11 – 13 The Veranda, West St, LA3 1BU 
See the Citizens Advice Drop-in poster here 

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Energy Matters: Stay Warm and Well 
Citizens Advice North Lancashire, in partnership with Green Rose, offers free energy advice to Lancaster and Morecambe residents. Services include help with understanding bills, communicating with energy suppliers, managing energy debts, and applying for retrofit grants. Support extends to practical energy efficiency tips, installing energy-saving devices, and income maximization. Home visits are available for vulnerable clients. Contact 01524 400404 or email [email protected] to arrange an appointment. Funded by the Energy Industry Voluntary Redress Scheme. 

See the Energy Matters poster here 

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Eggcup Crowdfunder
Eggcup, a much-loved and vital food project in Lancaster is currently facing severe financial challenges and uncertainty around the future of its warehouse and food hub. Without significant funding by Christmas, Eggcup may be forced to close by the end of the year.

To help prevent this, Eggcup has launched a crowdfunder and is seeking community support. Please consider sharing the campaign within your networks and on social media using the link Go Fund Me page.

Further updates will be shared as they become available.

Upcoming NFP Training
NFP Workshops in York are offering a range of training sessions in January and February, including Bid Writing (6 Jan), Managing Staff (7 Jan), and Leadership Skills (8 Jan). Other topics include Trust Fundraising, Recruiting and Managing Volunteers, Fundraising Strategy, Project Management, and Corporate Fundraising.

For more information, visit NFP Workshops website

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Morecambe Town Council – Festivals and Events / Community Grants Funding Applications (Top Tips and Q&A session)
Join Sharon from Lancaster CVS for a webinar about applying for a grant from either of Morecambe Town Council’s grant funds.

1. The Festivals, Sponsorships and Events Grant Fund – revised application form and criteria

2. The Community Grant Fund – revised application form and criteria

Learn more about the dos and don’ts of writing a strong application, receive top tips on how best to approach questions and demonstrate alignment with application criteria, and take the opportunity to ask any questions you may have before finalising your application.

More info and book your place here

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Multiple Sclerosis Awareness
People living with MS across Lancaster, Morecambe and the Bay area tell us they would like to access more local social and exercise activities, as well as being able to access specific expertise such as benefits advice, housing and employment advice and counselling. However they also say they don’t know where these services are, how to find out about or if they meet their needs.

This free online session is primarily for organisations that offer the types of services mentioned above, but anyone with an interest in MS is also welcome. The same session is running twice, so choose the most convenient for you.

The session will deal with:

• what Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is
• how it affects people
• how to support someone with MS to access the service you offer
• MS-friendly services on the Lancaster District Directory of Services (directory.lancastercvs.org.uk)

13 February 2025, 2:30pm – 3:30pm or 7pm – 8pm, online

Book your free place here

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Stress Management & Resilience
Would you like to cope better with the stresses of life?
To feel like you had more control over your mental health?

By the end of this free session you will understand how to:

• use a variety of coping strategies
• prioritise what you need quickly and effectively to stop matters escalating
• self-advocate confidently
• recognise triggers for mental health issues increasing
• support family members and peers (self-sufficiency)

9 January 2025, 12:30pm – 3:30pm at The Link, 11-13 West Street, Morecambe LA3 1RB

Find out more and book

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Benefits Training: Personal Independence Payments 
An opportunity has arisen to join trained advisers as they talk you through the basics of Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and how you can help eligible people in your community to apply for PIP and other benefits. 

Emily, Sammy, Charlotte and Phil will guide you through the process and answer any questions. 

Networking lunch will be provided. 

Time and Date: Friday 17 January 2025, 10:00 AM – 1:00pm 
Location: Morecambe Town Hall, Marine Road, Morecambe, LA4 5AF 

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Charity Commission Workshops: Supporting Charities Operating Internationally
The Charity Commission is hosting free in-person workshops for charities operating internationally from January to March 2025. These interactive events, titled WORLD: Working Overseas – Risks, Responsibilities, and Legal Duties, will cover essential topics such as trustee responsibilities, international risk management, safeguarding, and handling charitable funds safely.

Dates and Locations:

• London: Tuesday, 21 January 2025, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, Broadway House
• Birmingham: Tuesday, 11 February 2025, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM, Millennium Point

Spaces are limited to two attendees per charity. These workshops offer networking opportunities, practical exercises, and expert guidance tailored to charities working abroad. Refreshments and lunch are provided.

For more details or to book, contact the Charities Engagement Team at [email protected].

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Disability Inclusion
This interactive session will cover all the main issues to bear in mind for making your organisation an inclusive place, including language, visual impairment, hearing impairment, wheelchair users, learning disabilities and etiquette.

Session leader Ollie Flitcroft is a wheelchair user and has been disabled all his life.  He has worked in the third sector for over 25 years, supporting organisations and groups including fundraising to help them to develop. 

£5 LDCVS members, £10 non-members.

21 January 2025, 10am – 12 noon, Christ Church Lancaster

Book your ticket

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Top Tips for Writing a Funding Application
This online session is designed for people who have little or no experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from some basic pointers that would help them to write successful applications for small funding pots e.g. £500 to £5000 grants.

It will be particularly useful for small, grassroots community organisations such as sports clubs, uniformed services, church/faith groups, arts and or youth group projects. Advice given will help with applications for grant funds such The Lancaster Community Fund or Eric Wright Charitable Trust as well as other small funding pots available.

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer.

£5 for LDCVS Members, £10 for non-members.

28 January 2025, 10am – 11:30am, online

Book your ticket

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Writing a Compelling Funding Application
This workshop is designed for people who already have some experience of writing funding applications and would benefit from a practical session to finesse their content for larger funding applications or to develop a project Case for Support document.

There will be an opportunity to explore the types of questions you will need to respond to for larger funding applications and how best to provide clear, concise responses that provide the detail a funder is looking for. There will also be some focus on costings and getting your budget right.

The session will be delivered by Sharon Phillips, LDCVS Development Support Officer.

£15 for LDCVS members, £25 for non-members.

19 February 2025, 9.30am – 3:30pm, Alexandra Barracks, Lancaster

Book your ticket

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FREE LGBTQ+ Awareness Training  
Lancashire LGBT is running two more LGBTQ+ awareness training sessions for people working in North Lancashire and South Cumbria. Lancashire LGBTQ+ will be running a session on Thursday 6th February at 10am-3.15pm in J365 Conference Centre, Crooklands LA7 7NU and an online session on Tuesday 11th March. There is no charge to attend this training.  

Find out more here 

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Allergen Awareness
Lancaster City Council in conjunction with Lancaster and Morecambe College are offering a fully funded (free) Level 2 Food Safety and Level 2 Allergen Awareness for people who live or work in our district.

A minimum requirement of Level 2 Training is essential for all food handlers who prepare or handle high risk food.

To book a place on the course contact LMC e-mail: [email protected]  or phone: 01524 521483.

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The Peer Partnership Training Opportunities
The Peer Partnership is offering a series of online workshops in November 2024 and February 2025 for VCSE, local authority, and health sector workers. Topics include peer support design, group dynamics, workplace boundaries, and responding to challenging behaviour. Each workshop costs £50 and can be booked via Eventbrite. Custom sessions for organisations are also available.

How to Design Peer Support
Tuesday 4th February 2025 09:30-13:30

Group Dynamics and Facilitation
Tuesday 18th February 2025 09:30-13:30

Boundaries in the VCSE Workplace
Thursday 20th February 2025 12:30-16:30

Recognising and Responding to Challenging Behaviour
Tuesday 25th February 2025 09:30-13:30

For more details, visit The Peer Partnership website or contact them directly at [email protected] or call on 0117 955 5038.

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Prevent Training & Support
Community groups can access training and support around the Prevent programme. Training includes information about:

• What is Prevent
• What Prevent does in Lancashire
• What is terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation
• Threats in Lancashire – i.e. ideologies: Islamist/ far XRW / LAsi and other
• What to look out for – vulnerabilities
• Case studies

To access training and support, email [email protected] or call 01254 585260.

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Friends of Lancaster Library – Volunteers 
Friends of Lancaster Library are looking for volunteers in a variety of areas of their work.

Volunteers are needed for their community, pop-up or Thursday Wellbeing cafes, helping with events in the library or fundraising projects, social media and publicity and even the library’s garden!.

Feel free to also share your ideas for events, talks and fundraising.  

If interested in any of these please contact [email protected] or [email protected] 

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Drivers & Delivery Assistants at 3R in Carnforth
Could you spare a morning or an afternoon once a week to help with deliveries and collections for the 3R Foundation Charity Shop in Carnforth. 3R are looking for volunteer van drivers and assistants to join their friendly team in their very busy shop. Deliveries and collections are usually within the local Lancaster, Morecambe and Carnforth area.

Find out more and register

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Chairperson at the Haffner Orchestra
The Haffner Orchestra is Lancaster’s own symphony orchestra, comprising amateur players and local professionals drawn from across the North West. They are seeking someone to oversee the activities of the Orchestra, working with a well-established committee.

The Chairperson, together with the committee, is responsible for organising and facilitating the activities of the Orchestra, whilst supporting and protecting the reputation of the Orchestra and ensuring that legal responsibilities are met.

Find out more and register

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St John’s Hospice Volunteers Wanted!
St John’s Hospice are looking for 2 people to offer their time for a 2 hour bucket collection slot between 10am and 3pm on the Saturdays of the 14^th and the 21^st of December. This will be at Santa’s grotto outside Primark in the Marketgate Arcade, Lancaster. 

Volunteers can be seated. There is a very friendly atmosphere, and volunteers always find it a lot of fun! 

If you think you would enjoy helping out, then please contact Fundraising at St John’s Hospice on 01524 328538 

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Volunteer at the Midwinter Market! 
Lancaster’s Midwinter Market on 13 December will be a busy, friendly space with live music, street food and stalls presenting the best local, sustainable products and crafts. 

Could you help with collecting and returning equipment, or setting up and decorating gazebos? Or would you like to set up the PA and look after musicians, talk to members of the public or distribute publicity? The day runs from set-up at 8.30am to take-down after 5pm and any amount of time you can give will be welcome. 

Please get in touch at [email protected] 

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Trustees at Stanleys Community Centre
Stanleys Community Centre are looking for new trustees to join their team of five, working alongside nine staff and 36 volunteers. The Centre’s vision is that all residents living in Morecambe enjoy a high quality of life, can achieve their economic, social and educational goals, and feel part of a strong, prosperous and caring local community.

Trustees with experience in financial management and account, or in charity governance, strategy and legal would be particularly welcomed.

The board meets monthly for up to two hours online, with support given to the centre manager between meetings for a time commitment of approximately four hours per month.

Download the information pack to find out more

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Santa at Galloways Morecambe Christmas Grotto
Galloways’ annual Santa’s Grotto and Gift Wrap at Brew Me Sunshine on Victoria Street, Morecambe will be back Monday on the 9th and 16th from 11am to 3pm.

Santas are needed for 2 to 4 hour shifts each day to be warm and friendly, offering gifts and listening to children and families Christmas Wishes. Staff will be on hand to support and a full induction and costume will be given to each volunteer.

Find out more and register

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Christmas Volunteering
Will you need more volunteers over the Christmas period? Christmas Day? Boxing Day? We are already receiving queries from the public about what they can do over Christmas to help.

So whether you’re feeding people, throwing a party, or getting on with your usual activities, if you think that you will need more support over the Christmas period please let us know. We might be able to put you in touch with some enthusiastic volunteers right away! Contact [email protected].

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Volunteer Receptionist at Positive Futures
Positive Futures is a mental health charity that supports the people of Lancaster, Morecambe and District. The charity has a social hub with a community café offering fun and personal development training.

They are looking for a friendly, outgoing person to volunteer at their reception desk. Duties will include booking cars into the parking system, meeting and greeting people coming into the building, and taking payments for groups and courses.

Find out more about this role

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Flood & Coastal Committee Independent Members
The Environment Agency is looking for new members for our region’s Flood & Coastal Committee. Members help protect people, their homes and livelihoods from flooding, learn new skills and gain experience, and make a real difference to their community.

Committees represent local communities in how flooding and erosion are managed, approve programmes of works, and create local partnerships.

Find out more and apply

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Volunteer Sessions at The Plot
Join Vaso and the friendly community of volunteers. 

Vasiliki Makri, the new volunteer and community engagement coordinator at The Plot, invites you to weekly volunteer sessions at The Plot’s outdoor site at Old Holly Farm. Read Vaso’s column here and see why it would be a great idea to consider joining this sociable and mood boosting community. 

The sessions also feature farming activities and breaks with hot drinks and cake. 

Time and Date: Every Wednesday from 9am-1pm 
Location: Old Holly Farm, Cabus Nook Lane, Preston, PR3 1AA 

For more information contact: [email protected]  

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Moving Forward Volunteer with Breast Cancer Now
Breast Cancer Now understand that a person’s need for support doesn’t end when treatment finishes. Their Moving Forward services and information are for anyone living with and beyond breast cancer, helping them approach life after treatment with increased confidence.

 

Volunteers on each Moving Forward course are there to welcome participants and support the facilitator. Volunteers move around small groups to support discussions, contribute their own insights when appropriate, and offer emotional support if participants become upset.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit the guide here

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

Health & Wellbeing Support in the Lancaster District
Discover the Lancaster District Directory, your go-to resource for finding essential services offered by local community groups, the NHS, and local authorities. From health and fitness to mental wellbeing, financial advice, and job skills, this comprehensive directory has it all. Easily browse through detailed listings, contact information, and referral instructions to access the support you need.

Stay Connected with Your Integrated Care Community (ICC) 
Integrated Care Communities (ICCs) are integrated teams of health and care workers, third sector organisations, statutory organisations and wider community assets. We work together with the aim to improve physical & mental health outcomes, promote wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. 

In the Lancaster District we have 3 ICCs, Lancaster, Bay and Carnforth. Each hosts a monthly online networking meeting which is a great opportunity to meet new partners, find out what is happening locally and share updates of your own.  Each ICC also has a Facebook page and a monthly newsletter that goes out far and wide. 

If you aren’t available to go along to a meeting but have something to share – don’t worry! Jenny, our Community Health Officer, attends each ICC and is very happy to update the meeting on your behalf – sharing items of news or events that are coming up.  

Contacts for each of the ICC’s are below. 

Lancaster ICC – Sarah Baines (development lead) – [email protected] / Lorraine Ducket (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Bay ICC – Anji Stokes (development lead) – [email protected]  / Amy Dawson (ICC admin) – [email protected]  

Carnforth ICC – Hayley Clarke  (development lead) – [email protected]  / Janette Wright (ICC admin) –  [email protected]

Contact Jenny Reddell, Community Health Officer for LDCVS, at [email protected]
View the health coaching flyer

BEE Unique Sessions
BEE UNIQUE Autism, a non-profit charity that supports families with children who have special educational needs (SEN) provide exclusive activities and sessions in the Lancaster district. These sessions are designed to help children enjoy everyday activities in a safe, non-judgmental environment. No official diagnosis is required for children to attend, and siblings and family members are welcome.

The charity is run by parents of SEN children and professionals who volunteer their time, ensuring that no expenses are taken. All funds raised are used to subsidise costs, enabling as many SEN families as possible to benefit from their support.

View poster one
View poster two

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Family Hubs What’s On 2025
The Family Hub centres have provided their new year schedule of events which provide various support sessions and activities for families and young children.

Baby and You sessions on Monday mornings provide engaging, age-appropriate activities for babies and parents. Infant Massage sessions on Tuesdays offer bonding time and development support with booking required. Chat Play Read sessions on Wednesdays help children under 5 develop speech and language skills. Development Matters on Friday mornings offers stimulating activities for young children.

Parenting support includes Breastfeeding Peer Support Group on Mondays and Positive Relationships, Stronger Families courses on Tuesdays. Citizen Advice sessions on Wednesdays provide practical advice, and Warm Space drop-ins on Fridays offer a supportive environment for connection.

Monthly Coffee and Connect/One Stop Shop and M.A.T.C.H (Men and Their Children) events provide further opportunities for parents to gather and share experiences.

View the What’s On Guide

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Holiday Activities & Food December/January 
All activities are available to families and young people receiving free school meals and others deemed vulnerable. 

Find out more about the programme and how to register on the Lancashire County Council website

Pizza, Circus Skills, Arts and Craft
Time and Date: Friday, 20^th of December, 6:15 – 8:30pm 
Location: Morecambe Library 

Winter Themed Arts and Crafts
Time and Date: Monday 23^rd of December, 1 – 4pm 
Location: White Cross Neighborhood Centre, Lancaster, LA1 3SF 

Get Moving: Yoga + Arts and Crafts and Food! 
Time and Date: Thursday 2^nd of January, 1-4pm
Location: Morecambe Library 

Boxercise, UV T-shirts and Food!
Time and Date: Friday 3^rd of January 
Location: Morecambe Library 

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Kooth Chat Hours for Christmas & New Year
Kooth is a free, safe, and anonymous online platform where young people can access mental health support whenever they need it. Delivered in partnership with the NHS, Kooth is available to anyone between the ages of 11-18, and in some areas, it extends up to age 25.

Resources and support are available 365 days a year for young people aged 10 – 18 and up to 25 for SEND across Lancshire & South Cumbria. The service includes live chat conversations with a mental health professional.

Live chat is usually available 12 noon to 10pm weekdays and 6pm to 10pm weekends. Hours change slightly over Christmas and the New Year:

24 December – 12 noon to 8pm
25 December – 4pm to 8pm
26 December – 12 noon to 8pm
31 December – 12 noon to 8pm
1 January – 4pm to 8pm

Find out more about the service

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Lancaster Youth Challenge Restore & Time To Breathe Programmes
Restore
This ten week programme of non-contact boxing and wellbeing for young people 13 – 17 years will build confidence and fitness levels and nurture a sense of personal achievement.

Tuesdays from 21 January, 4.30pm – 6pm at Vale of Lune RUFC

For more information or to refer a young person, contact [email protected]

Time to Breathe
This ten-week programme provides an alternative and safe space to understand emotional well-being, express thoughts and feelings, develop personal confidence and transferrable skills through nature-based education and educational wellbeing activities.

Sessions begin on 18 January and are delivered at Gathering Fields and The Cornerstone.

For more information or to refer a young person, contact [email protected]

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Positive Relationships – Stronger Families
Lancashire County Council and The Family Hubs Network are running a 4 week course that aims to empower parents to understand their conflicts and see how to resolve issues with constructive and destructive communication.

2025 session schedule (all sessions run for 4 weeks)

• Poulton Family Hub – 7 January, 9.30-11am
• Carnforth Family Hub – 10 January, 9.30-11am
• Lune Park Family Hub – 14 February, 9.30-11am
• Heysham Health Centre – 18 February, 9.30-11am

For more information and to book

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Barnardo’s Supported Lodgings
The Supported Lodgings services offers a unique opportunity to provide a safe and supportive environment for young people aged 16-25 as they transition into adulthood. Supported Lodgings hosts offer a safe and stable home, provide guidance and emotional support, help the development of independent living skills, and have access to a dedicated support worker to address any challenges.

Hosts are provided with a 24/7 helpline and weekly financial support.

Supported Lodgings are expanding across Lancashire so if you have a spare room, want to support young people, and are a patient good listener, please contact Saira Hussain at [email protected]

Download the leaflet to find out more

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Join the new Morecambe Bay Curriculum Working Groups
Would you like:

• funding for your place-based green project ideas?
• top notch CPD delivered by Lancaster University, Eden Project, Lancaster and Morecambe College, University of Cumbria and Health Professionals?
• to collaborate with like-minded colleagues who feel passionately about the power of teaching and learning?
• to weave sustainability, place and the environment into your day-to-day practice?
• a say in shaping the Morecambe Bay Curriculum and Eden Project Morecambe?

If so, consider joining one of the MBC working groups, focusing on one of primary, secondary, special educational needs and disabilities, or alternative provision.

The MBC team will be on hand to support each group as you meet regularly to explore your collective interests and develop projects, curriculum resources or campaigns that you think will make a difference in your setting.

Working Groups start in February 2025 and culminate in July 2026. Groups will meet approximately every one or two months for around 60 – 90 minutes, followed by termly inter-phase twilight CPD.

Find out more and apply

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Inside Out – Support for Children (8-11 Years) 
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service offers free weekly sessions for children aged 8-11 (Key Stage 2) who may be struggling with emotions, anxious behaviors, or low confidence. Kids can explore feelings, manage worries, build confidence, and enjoy creative, physical, and fun activities with peers. 

• Carnforth Neighbourhood Centre – Mondays, 3:30-4:30 PM
• Morecambe Library, Central Drive – Tuesdays, 3:30-4:45 PM

No booking needed – just turn up! For more info, call 01524 581280. 

See the C&FWS poster here 

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Lancaster and Morecambe Family Zone Services 
Offering a wide range of support for families, the Family Zone hosts community midwives, health visitor clinics, Citizens Advice, and smoking cessation services, alongside engaging groups for children and parents.  

Sessions include: 

• Baby & You sessions (0-pre walkers) 

• Development Matters for early child development 

• Infant Massage and Triple P Parenting Courses 

• Inside Out emotional support group (ages 8-11) 

• Sensory Room (free to book) 

Sessions run across various centres in Lancaster and Morecambe. For bookings or info, call 01524 581280. 

See their events poster here

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Sported – Opportunity for Young People’s Sports Groups
Sported offers free membership to organisations that use sports to improve the lives of young people aged 11–25. Eligible groups must deliver regular sports or physical activities with a focus on development, rather than competition, and be a non-profit organisation. Access resources and support on the Sported Hub can be found here, or contact Sported to learn more. You can view their sported e-flyer here.

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Free Children’s Writing Workshop with Hiba Noor Khan
Are you over 18, from an underrepresented group, and interested in writing for children? Join award-winning children’s author Hiba Noor Khan at Lancaster Library for a free writing workshop on Saturday, 7th December, from 11 am to 1 pm. Spaces are limited, so book your spot at the Library desk today!

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Healthy Young Minds Focus Group 
Lancashire Mind are looking for feedback on their Healthy Young Minds website. They would like to gain suggestions on what young people, parents and professionals like and dislike about the site and are open to any ideas for improvement. 

The site focuses on the mental health and emotional wellbeing of young people and can be accessed here.  

Download the Information & Consent form

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Wise Up Workshops – latest provision
Wise Up Workshops are running fortnightly sessions to help build new skills from cooking to map reading, event planning to mental health support.

Upcoming sessions:

• Youth Theatre/ Tuesdays/ The Platform/ Ages 5-16 years/ Production & performance skills
• Lifewise/ Wednesdays/ Heysham Library/ Ages 14-25 years/ Learning life skills & includes a residential
• Creative Saturdays/ Sefton Rd Church Hall/ Ages 4+/ Drama, art, crafts, eco junk modelling, movement, gardening, cooking

Wise Up are only part funded for all of these workshops and ask for a donation from attendees if/where possible.  

For further information view their event poster or visit  www.wiseupworkshops.com

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Coach Core Foundation
Coach Core Foundation is a UK charity that uses sport and apprenticeships to support young adults facing barriers to employment. Partnering with local employers, they create positive change in communities by training young role models to deliver sports and physical activities.

Their Lancashire programme, in collaboration with the Westminster Foundation, offers a Level 2 Community Activator Coach Apprenticeship, benefiting 100 young people over five years. The programme includes professional development, regular support, and grants for employers, focusing on empowering young people and enriching community engagement through sports.

More information about the Community Activator Coach Level 2 Apprenticeship and

Read all about Coach Core and the benefits of their apprenticeship

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Youth Futures Team
The Youth Futures Team offers support for young people leaving school, providing guidance on various pathways such as college, apprenticeships, employment, and training. They assist with A-levels, vocational courses, entry-level programs, and work-based training options. The team can help with CV preparation, interview skills, building confidence, and employability skills. For more personalised advice, you can contact the North representative Anna at [email protected] or call 07354 167290.

See their information flyer part 1 and part 2

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M.A.T.C.H Men And Their Children NEW Event
Calling all dads, grandads, uncles, and male carers! Join the Family Hubs Network at the Morecambe Central Hub (Morecambe Library) every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month starting in October, from 10am-12pm. Enjoy a warm brew and hot breakfast in a friendly setting, with activities provided for the kids. No booking is required—just turn up and take part. Best of all, it’s FREE!

Find out more here

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Lancashire Mind CYP Peer Support
Through innovative, peer-led support systems, this programme aims to enhance the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 10 to 19 (up to 25 with SEND) across Lancashire. With children facing an alarming increase in mental health challenges, Lancashire Mind can help support them to find coping strategies and build resilience.

Find out more and make referrals

FarmStart 2025 applications open now
LESS and The Plot invites individuals to apply for the 2025 FarmStart Training programme—a one-year, part-time training opportunity designed for North Lancashire residents that are passionate about improving our local food systems. 

This programme prepares you to start a food-growing business as a new grower. It offers access to land, a supportive community, and access to local markets while providing training on small-scale, climate-resilient food-growing methods. This initiative plays an important role in building a more resilient and sustainable food system for North Lancashire. For more information and to apply: 

Read the FarmStart 2025 column 

Read the full information document here 

Apply here by the 21^st of January 2025 

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Winter Recipe Challenge
Do you have a favourite winter recipe? Join the winter recipe challenge! 

The  FoodFutures Closing Loops project would like you to take part in the North Lancashire winter recipe challenge. Recipes should either use ingredients that are local and seasonal to North Lancashire or have something to do with local history. Recipes could also reflect the great diversity of food cultures that we have in our region. 

View all details and send in your recipe 

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Forming a Lancashire Food Alliance
A LancsCAN grant is supporting workshops which will explore the concept of a Lancashire Food Alliance, bringing together Sustainable Food Places Partnerships, LancsCAN members, and other food partnerships and networks from across Lancashire to explore ways to meaningfully support each other and work together to shift our local food system at a county level.

Each workshop will build on the previous ones, however you do not have attend all three.

Workshop 1 – Creating a shared understanding and mapping of food system work in Lancashire
Weds 4th December 2024 in Preston (9:30-12:30 followed by lunch)

This workshop will seek to create a shared understanding of Lancashire’s food partnerships, networks and organisations. This includes an understanding of the contexts we work in, our successes, challenges and priority areas.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EARD

Workshop 2 – Identifying commonalities and points for collaboration.
Weds 22nd January 2025 online (10-12:30)

Building on workshop 1, this session will look to pull out common themes, leverage points and areas for collaboration across Lancashire’s food system. Collectively delegates will explore what Lancashire-wide food system shifts could be achieved together as a network of networks and partnerships.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EASY

Workshop 3 – Creating a shared vision and an action plan
Weds 12th March 2025 – in person. Venue TBC (9:30-12:30 followed by lunch)

This session will focus on the leverage points identified in workshop 2 to understand what success looks like and how we will get there. As part of this, next steps will be agreed for how this Lancashire-wide group should continue to meet and communicate and take forward actions.

Booking link: www.trybooking.com/uk/EARW

For further information please contact Ellie Shackleton at [email protected]

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Tech Lancaster – Electronics and Green Skills Training
Tech Lancaster offers electronics training tailored for adults seeking career shifts into the tech industry and runs STEM workshops for children, plus work experience for college students. Currently, in collaboration with Lancaster City Council, they’re providing a Green Skills Short Course—a taster for those considering careers in green technology.

For more information, visit Tech Lancaster and Green Skills.

View their e-flyer here

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Marsh Community Gardening Project
Would you be interested in improving and looking after green spaces in the Marsh area? Get involved by contacting Katie from the Marsh Community Centre on 07868314807.

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Land Wanted for Allotments
Do you know of or have a piece of land (big or small) that could potentially become allotments?         

Would you be interested in hearing or learning about how this can be done, what is involved, and how running allotments has worked for other private landlords? 

If the answer is “yes” then please get in touch with Deborah at [email protected]   

LESS (a Lancaster based social enterprise) is keen to understand the level of interest around opening new allotment sites across Lancaster District and is willing to offer some support and information sharing about how this can be done.

For more information about this call to action, read this food column and contact Deborah with any questions.

New Queers Eve! 
Last year Queer by Gum CIC held its first New Queers Eve event, and it was so much fun they’re back again this New Years for even more! It’s a DIY duke box and you can expect lots of pop and dance classics to help you boogie the night away. We’ll be there partying in the main hall at The Gregson from 7pm til the early hours of the morning. See in the new year right and get your tickets! 

Time and Date: 31^st of December 2024, 7 – late!  
Location: Gregson Arts & Community Centre, 33 – 35 Moor Gate, Lancaster, LA1 3PY 

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Love Lancaster, Love Christmas Events
Santa’s Grotto Bus – December 22
Come and visit Santa on his very own Grotto Bus on Market Street next to the City Museum.

£2 per child to board the bus and receive a small gift from Santa. All money collected will be donated to the Lancaster BID Christmas Toy Appeal charities.

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Friends of Lancaster Library Cafe
Pop into the library for a mug of festive hot chocolate and a mince pie. Funds raised by the cafe will go to Lancaster District Street Aid.

After your refreshments you can join in with FREE festive bauble making.

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Lancaster Priory Concerts and Carols
Join the Priory’s community of choirs and church musicians for a festive family concert of popular carols by candlelight at 5pm or 7:30pm on December 14. Tickets £10 in advance – book here.

Later in the month, celebrate the spirit of Christmas and raise money for the Priory’s choir at a sing-a-long beer and carols event (non-alcoholic alternatives available). Doors open 6:30pm on December 20. Advance tickets from £8 for adults, £4 concessions – book here.

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Events at Yealand this Winter 

New Years Get Together 
Enjoy a social start to the New Year’s morning 2025! Pay £5 by card for a bacon or sausage bap (veggie alternatives available) and tea/coffee. Served 11am-12pm.  

Burns Night Ceilidh 
A celebration of Burns Night featuring the band “Tattie Bogle” and servings of haggis, neeps and tattie. Join in on Saturday 25 January!

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Crafts at Galloways
Fancy a crafty afternoon? 

Join the group at Galloways, behind the Brew Me Sunshine Cafe in Morecambe. You can bring along your own craft project, join in with new craft ideas or just come for a chat and a brew in a warm, friendly space.  Alternatively, if you would like to run your own craft session, then please let them know! 

Time and Date: Every Monday, 1pm-3pm 
Location: Brew Me Sunshine Cafe, 12 Victoria Street, Morecambe, LA4 4AE

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4k Festive Fun Run 
Want to keep running over Christmas and New Year?  Then do think about taking part in the friendly 4k Festive Fun Run from the Lancaster& Morecambe AC clubhouse at Salt Ayre Leisure Centre on Friday December 27th at 11am. 

Really great for families and fun runners as well as more regular competitors.   Brilliant atmosphere, super festive medal and lots of wonderful spot prizes.  Only £7 to enter in advance or £10 on the day.   

Enter early as last year all their numbers were taken!

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The Cuisine Zines: Food-Inspired Zine Project
The Morecambe Community Riso Press has been awarded a Pots of Possibility grant to deliver a food-inspired zine-making project. The aim is to create a library of DIY zines focusing on food stories, recipes, and local food networks.

Five free workshops will take place at various locations from September 2023 to January 2024, where participants can explore zine-making, share food experiences, and contribute to the final Cuisine Zine. The project aligns with the Food Futures Good Food Manifesto, promoting sustainable and fair food practices across North Lancashire.

The workshops are free but booking is essential.

Dates, times & location:

• Good Things Studios 18th Jan – Book here

More information here

Network Coordinator (Lancaster) at Sported
Sported works to transform the lives of young people by supporting and resourcing grassroots clubs to create social impact.

The Network Coordinator will support community groups in rural areas surrounding the Abbeystead Estate to support them to grow and sustain activity, co-ordinate the development of a Sported community network, and develop a youth forum, among other duties.

Salary: £26,500 – £28,000 pro rata
Contract: 22.5 hours per week, fixed term for five year
Location: Lancaster district
Closing date: 31 January 2025

Find out more and apply

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Corporate Fundraiser with Charity People
Charity People are seeking a Corporate Fundraiser to join their team in establishing and developing corporate partnerships across the Fylde coast. The role requires a mix of on-site and home working, with some evening and weekend hours.

The ideal candidate will be a strong relationship builder with experience in fundraising or business development, and will be passionate about supporting high-quality end-of-life care across the community.

Salary: £28,437 – £31,390
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Location: Blackpool (hybrid)
Closing date: 3 January 2025

Find out more about this role and apply

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Funding Officer with the National Lottery Community Fund
The National Lottery Community Fund is hiring a Funding Officer for a 12-month contract in Lancashire. The role involves assessing grant applications, managing caseloads, supporting funded projects, and engaging with local communities to ensure funding makes a meaningful impact. Candidates need strong communication, analytical, and relational skills, alongside knowledge of Lancashire’s charity sector. The position offers hybrid working, combining home, community-based, and regional travel.  

Salary: £25,000–£27,000 
Contract: Full-time, contract (12-month contract) 
Location: Lancashire 
Closing date: 6 January 2025 at 09.49am 

Applications close on 6 January 2025, with interviews scheduled for 14 January. 

Find out more about this role and apply 

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Kentown Family Support Worker with Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity 
Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is seeking a Kentown Family Support Worker to provide tailored emotional, social, and practical support to families of children with life-threatening or terminal illnesses. Based in Lancashire, the role involves working closely with health, education, and social care professionals to deliver needs-led support as part of the Kentown Children’s Palliative Care Programme. Candidates should have experience in child health, education, or social care, along with knowledge of child protection and diversity issues. The role includes opportunities for professional development and training to ensure high-quality support for families in need. 

Salary: £23,000 annual salary plus Company Car (additional benefit of approx. £5K), 5% employers pension contribution and 25 days annual leave. 
Contract: Full-time, permanent 
Location: Preston, Leyland, Fleetwood, Lancashire 
Closing date: 31 December 2024, 2.45pm 

Find out more about this role and apply 

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Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner – The Children’s Charity
The Children’s Society is seeking an Emotional Health and Wellbeing Practitioner to support children and young people affected by domestic violence. The role involves delivering therapeutic interventions, enhancing emotional resilience, and fostering mental health awareness. Applicants should have relevant qualifications or significant experience, a full driver’s license, and expertise in working with young people facing emotional challenges.

Salary: £29,855.00 per annum
Contract: Temporary/ Maternity cover/37 hours per week
Location: Halton
Closing date: 2 January 2025, 11.59pm

Find out more and apply

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

Funding and governance support, contact [email protected]

Volunteering and DBS,
contact [email protected]

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

Health and social prescribing, contact [email protected]

Children and young people, contact [email protected]

Membership queries to: [email protected]

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

Alternatively, call us on 01524 555900

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